Questions and Replies

Reply:

The National Department of Human Settlements has not been able to meet the set target of 2% for persons with disabilities. Currently, the department is at 1, 2% of persons with disabilities.

The reason for not achieving the set minimum disability target is multifaceted, for instance, the department has been faced with a challenge of retaining some of its employees with disabilities, as they left for positions in other departments as well as the private sector. This has resulted in a drop in the number of employees with disabilities employed in the department. However, this challenge is not peculiar to the department, but it is a government wide challenge that necessitated the government to conduct a survey in which the department participated, on the movement of people with disabilities in the Public Service in January 2015. It is hoped that the outcome of the survey will shed light on some of the challenges faced by government in general, and the Department of Human Settlements in particular.

Further, the Department has not been advertising due to the moratorium on the filling of vacant posts. But, my Department intends to address the mentioned challenges by establishing partnerships with Disabled People Organisations (DPOs) in order to advance the recruitment of suitably qualified people with disabilities. Furthermore, the training and development of employees with disabilities has been prioritised as a means of retaining and promoting their upward mobility. We intend to ensure that adequate assistive devices are provided.

Reply:

(1) (a) The Department has initiated an investigation into the allegations made by the tenants/residents of Masimong 4 Estate, in Welkom. The Department received the complaint in March 2015 and concluded its preliminary investigation on 28 May 2015. A preliminary investigation and assessment of the complaints was conducted by the Department’s Legal Advisory Services and Rental Housing Development Units. The preliminary investigation included, inter alia, an engagement with the complainants and property Management Company.

(b) (i) It is important to note that the initial complaint focused on allegations of a rental dispute and illegal evictions. The allegation of rental dispute was confirmed and it was found that conflicting/varying monthly rental fee structures were issued by property management Company and the Free State Department of Human Settlement. This resulted in complainants claiming being able to calculate the correct and/ or valid monthly rental fee structure.

(ii) The allegation of illegal eviction could not be substantiated by the complainants. However, the department has found that the complainants were threatened with evictions following their dispute with property Management Company on monthly rental to be paid by the tenants/ residents, due to conflicting/ different rental structure which was presented to them. The allegations of irregularities regarding the management of Masimong 4 Estate were referred to the department in July of 2015. The outcome of the preliminary investigation recommended that the matter be referred for forensic investigation.

The matter, particularly the alleged irregularities in the management of Masimong 4 Estate, is a subject of a forensic investigation that is currently underway and conducted by the department Special Investigations Directorate. A detailed forensic investigation report will be submitted once the investigation is finalized and the recommendations considered and where required actioned.

(2) (a)There are 641 residential units in the specified estate.

The units were built essentially for low income households earning between R800.00 and R3500.00 per month. Those earning above R7500 must pay market related rental amount.

(b) Applicants have to complete an Application Form and must attach:

1. A copy of the ID;
2. Copies of the Birth Certificates of all members of the applicant’s household;
3. Most recent payslip;
4. Two (2) months’ Bank Statement not older than 2 months

Each applicant is then checked whether:

1. Their income falls within the permitted brackets; and
2. The income is enough to afford the applicable rental.

Where the applicant’s income is not sufficient to allow for the set rental payments, the income of the household is considered.

(c) The total cost for the development of the estate was R138 676 288.

(3) (a) The residents are legally evicted through the Courts and this only applies to the following:

(i)  Those who occupied the units illegally, refuse to be regularized and further refuse to pay rentals for accommodation.

(ii)  Legitimate occupants who refuse to pay rentals despite the fact that they have been invited on numerous occasions to make payment arrangements. The Department has further offered rent rebates and part arrear write-offs to incentivize payment.

 

UNIT TYPE	UNIT SIZE PER M2	RU SET MONTHLY RENTALS	RENTALS CHARGED AS PER ECONOMIC COST RECOVERY	RENTALS AGREED TO FOR TENANTS EARNING FROM R800 TO R3500	MARKET RELATED RENTALS FOR RTENANTS EARNING ABOVE R7500
Bachelor	34.22	R 508.92	R 500.00	R   350.00	R 750.00
One bedroom	50.64	R 753.13	R 700.00	R   500.00	R 1000.00
Two bedroom	69.69	R 1036.44	R 1000.00	R   700.00	R 1850.00
Three bedroom	70.47	R 1048.04	R 1200.00	R   700.00	R 1850.00

(b) The residents have on the average occupied these residences/units for 21/2 years since the opening of the Estate. An advert was placed in local circulating newspapers inviting tenants earing betweenR800 – 00 and R7500 – 00 to apply for rental accommodation at Masimong 4 Estate

(4) (a) Rentals in a Community Residential Units (CRU) Project are computed on an Economic Cost Recovery method where you divide the total expenses with the size of the floor area of the development and multiply the figure obtained with the size of each unit, for example this is how the Masimong 4 Estate Rentals were computed:

Total expenditure = R421 587

The total floor area for Masimong 4 = 29 719 m2

The standard m2 rate = R421 587 divided by 29 719m2

= R14.87 per/m2

Standard m2 rate is R14.87per m2 multiplied by different unit sizes to actual rentals

(b) Rentals are paid into the bank account of the Property Management Company.



END

Reply:

The residents of Mamelodi West were not evicted from the hostel but relocated to temporary units in 2005 during the construction of rental units. A total of one hundred and forty eight (148) units were completed in the 2009/10 financial year after which they were handed over to the City of Tshwane for allocation to qualifying beneficiaries. Before the allocation could be commenced with, all 148 units were illegally occupied and subsequently vandalised. As a result, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements was unable to conclude the process of installing electrical distribution boxes.

The Department then requested the City of Tshwane to institute and expedite the process of evictions in order to regularise the situation at the Mamelodi West Hostel but was met with formal correspondence from the City asking them to withdraw from the said project.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the City were to embark on a socio-economic audit to establish the profile of the former hostel residents. The results of the audit would have provided information which would enable the City of Tshwane Gauteng Department of Human Settlements to distinguish which beneficiaries qualified for the rental accommodation and those who qualified for BNG houses. Beneficiaries would have been right sized to the human settlement product for which they qualified.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has also allocated funding in their business plan to undertake the process of planning for the refurbishment of these vandalised hostel units. However, until the illegal occupiers have been evicted, the Department is unable to gain access into the hostels to commence with corrective work.

Reply:

(1) (a) The appointment of the company referred to in the question, as the property manager of Masimong 4 Estate emanated from the Tripartite Agreement which was concluded in November 2010 by Matjhabeng Local Municipality, the Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Harmony Gold Mining Company.

(b) (i) The contracted period was for two (2) years. During this period it was agreed that the Matjhabeng Local Municipality Human Settlements functionaries will work with the company to allow transfer property management skills between the two parties.

(ii) The appointed company was to be paid for services for management of the Masimong Estate, from a portion of the rentals collected every month and this amounted to R 35 000 – 00 per month.

(iii) The appointed company provides management services which included:

Administrative and Management Functions:

Keeping of records of all documentation including; application forms; lease agreements; individual files for each tenant; orientation/capacitation of tenants.

Technical and Infrastructural Services:

Making arrangements and co-ordinating the provision of Municipal Services; initialising of municipal utility accounts for all tenants; maintain and repair breakages to the units; reactive and planned maintenance of the units.

Maintenance and cleaning services:

General maintenance of complex grounds and gardens; facilitate the collection of waste and refuse removal; management of the dedicated refuse areas.

Financial services:

Issuing of monthly invoices and statements; issuing of payment reminder letters; delivery of monthly invoices and statements; receipt of payments from tenants; reconciliation of tenant accounts, coordination with municipal departments in respect of water meter readings; payment for services; discontinuation of services; evictions.

(2) (a) The management of Masimong 4 Estate in terms of the Community Residential Units (CRU) Programme guidelines be transferred to Matjhabeng Local Municipality as the lawful owner. The Municipality may choose to manage Masimong 4 Estate internally or may choose to outsource the property management.

(b) The Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements is currently rendering support to Matjhabeng Local Municipality in order to ensure that:

• Masimong 4 Estate is well managed and governed:
• Matjhabeng Local Municipality Human Settlements officials gain property management skills from the caretaker entity that will, with the concurrence of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, manage the property for two to three years whilst transferring skills to the said officials; and

• The government investment in Masimong 4 Estate is protected and serves the purpose for which it was developed.

(i) In a period of two to three years the Matjhabeng Local Municipality Human Settlements Officials shall have gained sufficient property management skills, to allow the Municipality to opt to manage Masimong 4 Estate internally or to outsource the property management.

(ii) During Masimong 4 Project Steering Committee meetings, the Matjhabeng Local Municipality representatives informed the Committee that they do not have the capacity to manage a property portfolio the size of Masimong 4 and that the Municipality would rather outsource this function. It is on that basis that a clause in the Tripartite Agreement was inserted to make provision for the outsourcing of Masimong Estate for two (2) years after its completion whilst Municipal Human Settlements officials underwent training hence the Free State Department of Human Settlements, in an effort to protect the investment made in Masimong 4 Estate opted to assist the municipality, by appointing a property management company to manage the Estate and at the same time ensure the capacitation of Municipal Human Settlements Officials in property management skills.

The matter was then delayed by the residents of Masimong 4 Estate who opposed payment of rentals and appointment of the property management company.

Reply:

(a)  The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality does not have plans to upgrade the Eikenhof informal settlement because of the dolomitic soil conditions in the area, which makes not suitable for development.

(b) The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality resolved in 2005 that the qualifying beneficiaries of Eikenhof informal settlement will be relocated to the Lehae project. From 2012/13 a total of 175 beneficiaries from Eikenhof have been allocated houses and subsequently relocated to Lehae. As more houses are completed, beneficiaries will be relocated to Lehae.

Reply:

Yes, my Department launched an investigation into the allegations made by the residents (complainants) of Masimong 4 Estate, in Welkom.

(a) The Department received the complaint in March 2015 and concluded its preliminary investigation on 28 May 2015. The preliminary investigation (assessment) of the complaint was conducted by the Department’s Legal Advisory Services and Rental Housing Development Units. It included, amongst others, engagement with the complainants and Amohela Property Management.

(b) (i) It is important to note that the initial complaint focused on allegations of rental dispute and illegal evictions. The allegation of rental dispute was confirmed and it was found that conflicting/ different monthly rental fee structures were issued by Amohela Property Management and the Free State Department of Human Settlement.

This resulted in the complainants claiming not to know the correct and/or valid monthly rental fee structure.

(ii) The allegation of illegal eviction could not be substantiated by the complainants. However, my department discovered that the complainants were (only) threatened with evictions following their dispute with Amohela Property Management on monthly rental to be paid by the tenants/ residents, due to conflicting/ different rental structure which was presented to them.

(iii) The allegations of irregularities regarding the management of Masimong 4 Estate were referred to the department in July of 2015.

(a) The outcome of the preliminary investigation recommended that the matter be referred for forensic investigation.

(b) The matter, particularly the alleged irregularities in the management of Masimong 4 Estate, is a subject of a forensic investigation that is currently underway and conducted by the department’s Special Investigations Directorate. A detailed forensic investigation report will be submitted once the investigation is finalized.

Reply:

The National Upgrading Support Programme (NUSP) provides technical assistance to municipalities for the development of Municipal Upgrading Strategies and Programmes, Community Capacity Building Programmes, Livelihood Strategies and Settlement Upgrading Plans. To date 987 informal settlements have been assessed and categorised, 135 informal settlements are in process of being assessed and categorised, 334 settlement plans have been developed, 242 settlement plans are in process of being developed, 35 municipal strategies / programmes have been completed and 6 municipal strategies/programmes are in progress. An upgrading manual for human settlements practitioners have been completed, a dedicated NUSP website (www.upgrading.support.org) is operational and a monthly newsletter is being produced. An investigation on tenure options on tribal land is currently being conducted.

A budget of R70 million is allocated to the NUSP in the 2015/16 financial year. In terms of the project allocation, R12.4 million is committed to signed contracts, R29.6 million is in the process of being committed on approved projects, R10 million has been allocated for Technical Support and an amount of R5 million earmarked for implementation of the Capacity Building Programme. The total amount committed or in procurement process is R57 million. An amount of R7.7 million has been spent to date.

Reply:

In terms of the housing programmes of the National Department of Human Settlements, delivery in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality was as follows:

(a) Total number of housing units completed for the period 01 July 2006 to 30 June 2011: 11 237

(b) Total number of housing units completed for the period 01 July 2011 to 31 May 2015: 5 508

Reply:

No.

Reply:

The Department of Human Settlements:

(a) & (b) The amount spent by the Department of Human Settlements on purchasing and installation of a generator is R1 784 859,00.

(c) The amount for operating costs (fuel) since the generator was purchased R 22 956.00.

(d) There are no maintenance costs incurred thus far.

The Entities:

(a) There are eight (8) public entities reporting to the Minister of Human Settlements, only the following three public entities have purchased generators:

• EAAB spent R391 006.40 on the 11th March 2014;
• NURCHA has spent R 288 635 in 2007; and
• NHBRC has spent R 700 000.00.

(b) Installation cost for the generators of NHBRC and NURCHA was included in the purchasing amount. EAAB has spent R 10 000.00 for installation.

(c) Spending on operational cost, including fuel:

• The HDA is responsible for the refuelling of the generator. The average cost to refuel the generator is R 4000.00, based on 4x4 hour load shedding per month;
• NURCHA has spent R 69 223.00;
• EAAB has spent R 9 763.84 from 12/05/2014 to 01/01/2015; and
• NHBRC has spent R 134 982.82 (This includes: Diesel = R 93 091.49; SMS Commander = R 10 545.00; and SDM Controller = R 31 346.33)

(d) Maintenance of generators

• EAAB has spent R 15 298.80 to maintain the generators from 23/09/2014 to 01/01/2015;
• NURCHA has spent R 13 800.00 per annum
• NHBRC has spent R 64 655.63 for the service and maintenance of the generators since 1 April 2013.

Reply:

(1) I wish to refer the Honourable member to the statement issued by the Cabinet giving approval for the intergovernmental Human Settlement Programme to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM) in the implementation of the Human Settlements Programmes. The statement referred to is attached.

(2) Yes. However, I am currently not in position to provide any information regarding investigations conducted or yet to be conducted.

Reply:

(1) The Emfuleni Local Municipality together with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements is in the process of refurbishing the Kwa-Masiza hostel. After the completion of the project, the units will be rented out to qualifying beneficiaries. Currently, occupants who do not qualify for the rental programme are being relocated to BNG houses in Golden Gardens. These beneficiaries have been screened, verified and approved through the Provincial and National subsidy approval process. This approach is being followed in order to create space for the contractor to refurbish units at Kwa-Masiza Hostel.

(2) (a) A total amount of R52 000 000 was spent in the 2012/2013 financial year. Due to budget constraints only R46 000 000 was available during this budgeting period. It must be noted that there were other expenses incurred e.g.: provision of Temporary Relocation Units which are used to accommodate occupants from the hostel during renovations. As the financial year progressed, funds were sourced from projects which delivered slower than planned to cover for these expenses; hence the total amount spent exceeded the original budget allocated.

(b) During the first year of construction (2012/2013), the contractor installed water and sewer services inside the premises. Some original hostel residents are still occupying the units whilst the Department continues with the relocation process to Golden Gardens as mentioned above. No new refurbished units were completed to date and therefore no families have taken occupation.

(3) (a) Occupants that have been approved for BNG houses are being moved to Golden Gardens and the Department is assisting with the relocations. To date, more than 800 qualifying families have been moved from Kwa-Masiza hostel to Golden Gardens and the department has provided transport to assist with relocation.

(b) Water and sewer services were not in an acceptable condition as there were a number of leaks and burst pipes. The contractor has been appointed to upgrade the system for every block and each unit will have running water after completion. The contractor has been requested to provide water stand pipes to the hostel blocks which do not have water in the interim. Electricity has not been operating for the past couple of years as the occupants were not paying for these services.

After the power was cut off by the authorities, the occupants then resorted to illegal connections from the adjacent township. The department is now busy with the refurbishment of the entire electrical network. Once completed, all the units will be legally connected and every occupant will be responsible for paying their respective electrical consumption bills. Qualifying beneficiaries that will be allocated to the newly refurbished hostel units are those whom qualify to benefit from the Community Residential Units Programme and will be liable for rent and electricity payments.

(4) The water canal is not part of the scope of work of the contractor appointed by the Department of Human Settlements. However, Emfuleni Local Municipality are currently busy with an investigation into the storm water canal which is located on the west side of the property. Once this study has been concluded, a decision will be taken regarding the best possible option available for the ducting of water.

(5) Notice must be taken that there is VIVCA 20 and VIVCA 41 whose directors were the same people and Kwa - Masiza Hostel was owned by VIVCA 20.

It was determined in 2008 that Kwa-Masiza Hostel was not fit for human habitation and that necessary measures were to be taken to address the situation. Several measures such as a feasibility study to be carried out by the Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing (now Human Settlements) into possible development of the property, were adopted to correct the situation. It would be necessary to mention that Emfuleni held rights in the property before such measures could be realised and thus Council resolved as per Mayoral Committee resolution of 22-07- 2008 ( item G1.6) and Council resolution of 30-09 2008 (Item A 1040) that the property should be expropriated.

The previous offer by VIVCA 20 for the sale of the property for the written offer, as was requested by the municipality’s Attorneys of Record, is for the sale of the properties in question for an amount of R15 million The offer entailed that Emfuleni Local Municipality shall relinquish all its claims against VIVCA, including the one that is being pursued via the involuntary liquidation application instituted by Emfuleni Local Municipality against VIVCA 41. The Municipal valuation of the property put its value at just above R18,9 million in 2009, which can reasonably be assumed to be the current value. The debt owed to the Municipality by VIVCA 20 was last computed to be R3 665 678.92 and the ArcelorMittal Bond of about R5 million excluding interest thus the offer for R15 million.

It was however discovered that there has been misrepresentation of facts relating to the alleged Bond held over the property by ArcelorMittal. The Bond was payable immediately and VIVCA 20 had failed to pay such and that the debt had accumulated interest. Contact was then made with ArcelorMittal and they ceded its rights over the bond in respect of Kwa Masiza in favour of Emfuleni Local Municipality to the value of R10m (the initial bond of R5m had attracted interest of R5m) The condition put forward by ArcelorMittal is for the Emfuleni Local Municipality to acknowledge the donation and put an advertisement to this effect as a contribution towards the rehabilitation of Kwa-Masiza. Taking the above into consideration, VIVCA was paid the sum of R5m by way of entering into a sales agreement with the municipality rather than giving it the money as compensation for expropriation.

Reply:

(a) During February 2010, the Department of Human Settlements paid out an amount of

R 1,873,347.53 for the remainder of an employee’s contract due to termination before the contractually stipulated date of termination.

(b) None.

Reply:

(1) (a) The Honourable member would be aware that I undertook to ensure that we have a credible Housing Database. This would include cleaning the housing waiting list and ensure that it is centralised to avoid double-dipping and related challenges. We also undertook to ensure that we prioritise the elderly and child-headed households. To this end, my Department has signed a service level agreement with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) in line with this undertaking. The service level agreement with SITA caters for National Housing Needs Register on which households can record their housing needs.

Provinces and municipalities are encouraged to make use of the National Housing Needs Register system as it provides for a fair transparent and just process of selection of prospective subsidy beneficiaries and allows for regional specific preferential selection criteria. The System is linked to National Guidelines for the Allocation of Housing Opportunities created through the National Housing Programmes.

Currently, there are no records for uMshwathi Local Municipality on the National Housing Needs Register and the municipality has not implemented the National Housing Needs Register.

(2) (a) Based on project information registered on the Housing Subsidy System HSS), 182 houses were completed in the 2014 -15 financial year and

(b) The total cost for building these 182 houses was approximately R13 628 453;

(3) (a) The 2015/16 provincial business plan indicates that no houses are planned for construction in this financial year. There are two projects under the Integrated Residential Development Programme: Phase 1 and another project under the Enhanced Extended Discount Benefit Scheme (EEDBS).

(b) The Umshwathi Slums Clearance project has a budget of R49 236 000 and the Umshwathi Dalton/ Cool Air project has a budget of R7 750 000. The Umshwathi Cool Air EEDBS Project has a project budget of R7 000.00.

Reply:

(1) Yes, there are plans to develop and implement a policy based on the National Vetting Strategy by the end of the financial year (2009/10).

(2) Yes, only at executive level through NIA. However the department is in the process of putting mechanisms in place to ensure that pre-employment screening of potential employees for criminal records is done to specific identified posts.

(4) In terms of records based on the info provided on application forms, the department does not have any employees with criminal records.

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION No 1904

Question

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

1. Whether there are any plans to introduce energy saving initiatives in the building of new subsidised homes: if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?

2. Whether there are any plans to introduce policy or legislation to encourage future private homeowners and/or developers to make use of energy saving initiatives in the construction of their homes; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?

Answer

1. Yes, the National Housing Code contains detailed guidelines to promote environmentally and energy efficient housing in the subsidy sector. The Department of Human Settlements has been working with the NHBRC to cost various measures to enhance the thermal performance of houses in the subsidy market. The most promising and cost effective of these is the installation of a ceiling and the provision of above ceiling insulation. Other measures include plastering of the external walls of the houses, under floor insulation and sealing of windows and doors. The cost implications of introducing energy efficient measures in the subsidy housing market will be considered, once the NHBRC have finalised their research report.

2. Yes, the Department of Energy has instructed the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to develop national standards for energy efficiency in naturally ventilated building. Theses standards will form part of the National Building Regulations and is referred to as the SANS 204 Standard. The Department of Human Settlements participated in the working group process and the draft standards have been published for comments. The standards are currently being refined in terms of the comments received and will then be presented for approval.

QUESTION 672

QUESTION

672. Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether he and his department will implement a programme to eradicate the housing backlog in all the provinces; if not, why not; if so, (a) when will the programme start and (b) what is the set target to achieve?

REPLY

Section 26 (1) and (2) of the Constitution determines that The State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right to have access to adequate housing.

The aim of Government's Human Settlement Programme therefor is to provide housing to all qualifying beneficiaries in an integrated manner within the context of sustainable human settlements. This implies that Government aims to eradicate the housing backlog over time, depending on the availability of resources.

Based on provincial allocations of the Integrated Housing and Human Settlement Grant, Provincial MECs responsible for Human Settlements prepare annual provincial plans which indicate the spending priorities within a particular province. These priorities are determined according to housing demand in a province with a view to the eradication of backlogs.

Therefor, Government's Human Settlement Programme since 1994 has been aimed at eradicating the housing backlog.

a) Falls away

b) Government has decided not to set targets based on the eradication of backlogs per se, but rather to pursue the establishment of integrated, sustainable human settlements based on the availability of financial resources being made available in terms of the Integrated Housing and Human Settlement Grant.

QUESTIONS 870

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

870. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) Whether the customer service hotline where the public can report corruption or fraud in housing is in operation; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many cases of irregularities have been reported and (b) what is the nature of the irregularities;

Answer: The customer services hotline in the Department of Human Settlements is in operation, and the operational hour's starts from 06:00-22:00

(a) The cases of irregularities reported is 3

(b) The nature of irregularities is as follows:

· Councillors selling houses to their relatives

· Housing demand database not transparent

· People are being pushed at a certain prize to be on the Housing Demand databaselist

· Title deed in somebody's else name

(2) Whether any cases has been referred to the SA Police Service; if not, why not; if so, how many (a) cases have been referred and (b) suspects have been (i) arrested and (ii) charged thus far?

(a) Three (3) cases received from call centre since August 2009.Those cases are still under investigation by our internal forensic team and can only be referred to SAPS after we have concluded our investigation. However there is no automatic referral to SAPS .We gather more facts and conduct case analysis , in order to establish whether these cases would warrant a criminal investigation or not.

(b) No suspect arrested as the matter is still under investigation

(c) No Charges

QUESTION No 1754

Question

1754.Mr AC Steyn, MP (DA) to asked the Minister of Human Settlements:

What progress has been made with the policy development regarding the Farm Worker/Farm Occupier Housing Assistance Programme?

Reply

The policy and implementation guidelines for the National Housing Programme: Farm Residents Housing Assistance was approved and my Department is currently acquiring the services of legal expertise to develop pro-forma contractual agreements to facilitate the implementation of the programme. Where feasible, provinces and municipalities may already implement the programme.

QUESTION NO: 1753

Mr A C STEYN (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) What (a) are the closing-down costs of (i) Thubelisha Homes, (ii) Servcon Housing Solutions (Pty) Ltd and (iii) the Social Housing Foundation and (b) is the exact breakdown of the costs involved in closing down each of these entities;

(2) what (a) are the outstanding amounts owed by service providers to (i) Thubelisha Homes, (ii) Servcon Housing Solutions (Pty) Ltd and (iii) the Social Housing Foundation and (b) (i) are the names of these service providers and (ii) is the amount owed by them in respect of each entity and (c) steps has the department taken to recover these amounts?

ANSWER

(1) (a)

(i) The costs of closing Thubelisha were estimated at the time of preparing the closure plan in August 2008. These costs were revised with improved estimates on 29 January 2009. At that stage, the estimated cost of the closure of Thubelisha was given as R 241,5m. This included a combination of actual closure costs, settlement of the deficit in the company and a provision for possible claims from creditors and clients (Provinces). The total known costs of closing Thubelisha is R24,4 m, significantly less than the R130,4 m estimate at 31 December 2009. The actual costs of closing the company have been reduced to R 23, 9 m.

(ii) The cost of closing Servcon totals R 54,205,490.78.

(iii) In terms of the Social Housing Foundation (SHF), closure costs cannot yet be stated since this information is currently not available.

(b)

Thubelisha

The exact breakdown of the costs involved in closing down Thubelisha is as follows:

The actual costs of closing the company have been reduced to R 23,9 M (Reference A)

There are still two amounts relating to VAT from Contractors (R12,8M) and MIG debtors from the City of Cape Town (R40,8) that have not yet been recovered and may have to be written off (Reference B)

Mainly as a result of the release of un required provisions and the recognition of income resulting from project reconciliations, the expected deficit in the company has been reduced from an accumulated loss of R 12,7 M to a surplus of R 53,1 M (Reference C)

This brings the total known costs of closure to R 24,4 M, significantly less than the R130,4 M estimate at 31 December 2008.

A provision for additional claims and contingencies made in December 2008 has been retained amounting to an addition R 111M (reference D), which may or may not be required.

Servcon

The exact breakdown of the costs involved in closing down Servcon are as follows:

· Provision for staff cost from September to March 2010: R16,316,571.16

· Provision for severance expenses : R32,888,919.62

· Consulting expenses, including audit fees, liquidation fee and other related fees : R5,000,000.00

(2) (a)

(i) The basis for this question is uncertain. If the question relates to money owed to service providers the submission is that Thubelisha owes money to service providers and not the other way round. In this regard, Thubelisha is in the process of settling all valid creditors that are outstanding. However, if the question relates to claims and potential write offs, then the outstanding amounts owed by service providers is R53, 6 m. It must be noted however that there are claims and counter claims against major consortia that have worked mainly on the N2 Gateway project that still need to be resolved. The nature of these claims are discussed below (2(b)) in detail.

(ii) Servcon Housing Solutions (Pty) Ltd outstanding amount due from from the clients is R197,324,994.49.

(b)

(i) The names of service providers owing monies to Thubelisha are as follows:

· City of Cape Town for Municipal Infrastructure Grants (MIG) on the N2 project: R40, 8 m

· There are still amounts not yet recovered from service providers for VAT incorrectly paid to them. For this to be recovered, the service provider would in turn claim the amount from SARS and additional input tax. The recovery or not of this amount is thus neutral to Government as a whole. The cost of pursuing these old service providers is likely to be significant with no significant value to Treasury. Recovery efforts are still underway but likelihood of recovery is considered remote for the final amounts: R12, 8 m

· There are claims and counter claims against major consortia that have worked mainly on the N2 Gateway project such as Ibuyile and Sobambisana. With regards to Ibuyile, there is a provision in the books of Thubelisha for R 61m for this claim which is also included in the claim of R 133 million indicated below. Thubelisha believes it has a claim of R 43 million. The Consortium believes it has a claim of an amount of R 133 million. Sobambisana on the other hand has indicated that they would be making counter claims which at header date we have not received as yet.

The names of service providers owing monies to Servcon are as follows:

· Gauteng Department of Human Settlements : R82,550,535.37

· Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements : R14, 420,103.00

· National Department of Public Works : R99,744,288.00

· Others (rent ect.): R610,068.12

(c)

· In relation to the City of Cape Town, Thubelisha is continuing with the recovery of this amount with the assistance of the staff of the Housing Development Agency (HDA). Furthermore, the pursuit of old service providers for VAT incorrectly paid to them is likely to be significant with no great value to the National Treasury. Recovery efforts however, are still underway but likelihood of recovery is considered remote for the final amounts. Both claims are with Thubelisha's attorneys. The entity has received responses from the consortiums and is currently looking at them. Once the entity has completed their reports, this will proceed to arbitration or litigation in the next 14 days.

· With regards to Servcon and the recovery of amounts due to them, the Department will work with Servcon with a view to assist with the recovery of monies due from the provinces.

QUESTION 1499

FOR REPLY

1499. MR A C STEYN (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his department is taking any steps to offset its carbon footprint; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

1. The Department has complied with the requirements set out by the Department of Energy and has installed energy efficient lighting within the facilities. Furthermore the Department of Public Works has appointed a service provider that will ensure and maintain the lighting within government owned and leased buildings with a view to promoting savings towards carbon footprint.

QUESTION 1500

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1500. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

1. Whether there are any plans to introduce energy saving initiatives in the building of new subsidised homes: if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?
2. Whether there are any plans to introduce policy or legislation to encourage future private homeowners and/or developers to make use of energy saving initiatives in the construction of their homes; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?

REPLY

1. Yes, the National Housing Code contains detailed guidelines to promote environmentally and energy efficient housing in the subsidy sector. The Department of Human Settlements has been working with the NHBRC to cost various measures to enhance the thermal performance of houses in the subsidy market. The most promising and cost effective of these is the installation of a ceiling and the provision of above ceiling insulation. Other measures include plastering of the external walls of the houses, under floor insulation and sealing of windows and doors. The cost implications of introducing energy efficient measures in the subsidy housing market will be considered, once the NHBRC have finalised their research report.

2. Yes, the Department of Energy has instructed the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to develop national standards for energy efficiency in naturally ventilated building. Theses standards will form part of the National Building Regulations and is referred to as the SANS 204 Standard. The Department of Human Settlements participated in the working group process and the draft standards have been published for comments. The standards are currently being refined in terms of the comments received and will then be presented for approval.

QUESTIONS 1387

FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2009

1387. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) (a) What are the (i) names and (ii) qualifications of the persons who formed part of the management team that was sent to assist the Eastern Cape housing department in 2008 and (b) where were they seconded from;

(2) what was the (a) duration of their secondment and (b) description of their individual responsibility within the management team;

(3) what are the details of the (a) progress and (b) skills transferred to date;

(4) (a) what is the total cost to his department of the intervention and (b) how is the cost made up with regard to (i) travelling, (ii) accommodation, (iii) remuneration and (iv) other specified expenses?

REPLY

NAME	QUALIFICATIONS	PERIOD OF ENGAGEMENT
Leshabe Sam Rampedi	B.com (accounting) , Masters in Development studies	April 2008 to date
Thomas Ntshengedzeni Ramovha	B. Tech management services Diploma in Municipality Management	April 2008 to date
Siphumedze Mndze	Msc Dev planning, BA degree, Dipll PR.	July to Nov 2008 Sept 2008 to date
Lorraine S. M. Makola	B. Com Computer Science Dipl. Human Rights	01 May 2008 to date
Thanyani Ramatsea	Professional Engineer. B. Sc (Civil) Eng Masters in Engineering	01 Oct 2008 to date
Rudzani Percy Mamphaga	Professional Engineer. BSc (Civil) Eng. Graduate Diploma in Engineering.	01 Sept 2008 to date
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala	B.sc Quantity Surveyor	01 Sept 2008 to Nov 2009
Sam Johannes Du Preez	Professional engineer. B Sc (civil) Eng	01 June 2009 to date
Sifiso Sibanyoni	B.Sc Eng Civil Hons	01 Sep 2008 to 31 Oct 2008
Tsikadzashe Nemato	Professional Engineer. B.Sc Eng Civil Hons.	01 Nov 2008 to 31 March 2009
William Chitsa	Professional Engineer. B. Sc Eng Civil Hons. MBA	01 Nov 2008 to date
Tsholofelo Diale	B. Sc Eng Civil Hons	01 Sep 2008 to 31 Oct 2008
Ferdinand C. Fester	B. Sc Quantity Surveyor	01 Sept 2008 to 31 Nov 2008
Jan G Fourie	Professional Engineer. B. Sc Eng Civil B. Com LLB Msc. Eng	Nov 2008 to March 2009
Sthembiso Ndlovu	B. Tech In Construction Management Masters in Project Management	01 September 2009
Thabo Wahls Mathibeli	Professional Engineer B. Sc Eng Civil B. SC Maths & Physics MBA	01 July 2009 to date
Thamsamqa Patrick Skele	Professional Engineer Technologist - Civil GCE Civil Eng B. Tech Civil Eng N.H.D. Civil Eng N. Dipl Civil Eng	01 July 2009 to date
Letta Mokgotsi	B.A.	April 2008 to Oct 2008
Bahle Precious Sitaba	BA Environmental and Development	01 Nov 2009 to 31 Jan 2009
David Victor Hatton Hall	Profesional engineer B. Sc Eng Civil Hons MBA Dipl Prof Construction Project Manager	25 Nov 2009 to Feb 2009
Kamlesh Naran Bhana	B Tech: Town planning	01 Sept 2008 to 31 March 2009
Brenda Mvula	Post Graduate Diploma: Project management	01 Nov 2008 to date
Dave Awogu	Masters In Town & Regional Planning Post Grad Dipl In Computer Science B.sc Hons Urban & Regional Planning	01 June 2009 to date
Sindile Bidla	Masters Geo Information Sc A& Earth Observation B.sc Agriculture	01 May 2009 to date
Abraham van der Berg	Professional Land Surveyor Bachelor Degree Land Surveying Masters Town & Regional Planning B.A. Public Admin Hons	June 2009 to date
Calvin Sehlapelo	B. Com Hons Acc & CA B. Comm Acc	July 2009 to date

1(b) The officials were seconded from National and other Provinces. Other officials were sourced from the private sector and were appointed as independent contractors (consultants).

2(a) The duration of secondment is captured above in the last column.

2(b) Mr Rampedi is the team leader of the Eastern Cape Intervention.

Ms Makola is the office manager that ensures necessary arrangements and control of the team.

Mr Ramovha is responsible for the oversight role within the team and monitors progress.

3(a) The province has improved in the overall system of housing delivery in the areas of project management, quality assurance, multi-year planning, financial management and reporting.

3 (b) As part of capacity building the National Department deployed skills

in the areas of strategic management, financial management, engineering, town planning and information management. These professionals have worked closely with the province to ensure that skills are transferred to provincial officials. This has manifested in improved conditional grant expenditure, planning, increased number of units completed, quality management and reporting.

4 R 6.177 million

(b) (i) R1.7 million

(ii) R912 000

(iii) R3.5 million

(iv) Telephones: R30 733

Office equipment: R3 600

Lease payments: R30 806

QUESTION NO. 1385

WRITTEN REPLY

Mr A C Steyn (DA) MP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(a) Who were the managing agents after the completion of the rental units at Phase 1 of the N2 Gateway project;

(b) What are the relevant details of the agreement entered into with the managing agents, including;

(i) the date that the agreement was entered into,

(ii) the duration of the agreement

(iii) details of the

(aa) responsible

(bb) remuneration of the managing agents and;

(c) Who is currently managing the

(i) maintenance and;

(ii) collection of rentals for these units?

REPLY

(a) Thubelisha Homes have a lease agreement with the City of Cape Town (owners of the rental portion of Joe Slovo Phase 1).

(b) (i) The original lease agreement was signed in 2006.

(ii) The lease was for a period of five years, with a 30 year renewable option.

(iii) (aa) Maintenance and rental collection.

(bb) In terms of the lease agreement, no payment is made Thubelisha Homes as it was envisaged they would recoup costs from rental income received. Trafalgar Property Management Services were appointed to maintain a billing service. This service merely records payments made and sends out accounts to the tenants. Trafalgar Property Management are paid an amount of R 8 037.00 monthly for this service.

(c) (i) Currently the maintenance falls under Thubelisha Homes as the as the lease with the City of Cape Town is still in force.

(ii) Currently rental payments which are made by tenants are paid into Thubelisha Homes' bank account.

QUESTION NO: 278

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION:

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether he will review the housing needs, allocations, lists and qualifications of all those who 'applied for RDP houses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

Housing Needs

No. The Government remains committed towards housing assistance to household who cannot independently resolve their own housing needs. The bulk of housing funding allocation is still channelled towards the upgrading of informal settlements as the highest priority.

The Government is, however, in the process to broaden the application scope of the National Housing Programmes as part of the implementation of the mandate contained in the Comprehensive Plan for the Creation of Sustainable Human Settlements, also referred to as the "BNG" policy framework. In this process and to achieve a holistic planning and development orientation a framework for the establishment of a National Housing Demand Database was approved and submitted to the provincial departments.

The main objective of the National Housing Demand Database is to establish a single integrated database from which all housing departments will draw housing need data. The establishment of the actual housing demands per development or region may warrant investigations into the possible enhancement of the definition of the housing needs and such will be subject to the normal policy decision-making process.

Allocations

No. The principles for the allocation of housing opportunities created through the various National Housing Programmes remain the unchanged. Applications are still considered on the basis of first came first served and in terms of compliance with the standard qualification criteria.

Allocations for housing opportunities in informal settlement upgrading projects differ in that the development is planned with and for the specific inhabitants of the relevant area.

The implementation of the National Housing Demand Database will further enhance the allocation process in that developers will be able to establish needs and invite prospective housing subsidy applicants to apply for subsidies where housing opportunities are available from the data base.

Lists

No. It is assumed that this sub-section of the questions relate to so called "waiting lists".

Although the introduction and maintenance of housing demand lists or ~waiting lists" is not prescribed by national policy, all such existing municipal and provincial lists were incorporated, or are in the process of being incorporated, into the National Housing Demand Data Base.

Qualification Criteria

No. The qualification criteria to obtain access to the housing assistance measures instituted by Government are not under review at this moment.

It is important to note that in addition to the general qualification criteria, each National Housing Programme is governed by programme specific criteria, tailored to achieve the goals of the relevant programmes. The current qualification criteria of the various National Housing

Programmes are regarded adequate and effective. However as policy evolves and new programmes are developed that warrant changes to the existing criteria, such will be subject to the normal policy decision-making process before approval and implementation.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 918

FROM MR AC STEYN OF THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE (DA): WRITTEN REPLY

DEPUTY MINISTER

1. PURPOSE

To submit a draft reply in respect of Parliamentary Question no 918 received from Mr. A C Steynof the Democratic Alliance (DA).

2. DETAILS OF THE QUESTION 918.

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

1. Whether his Director-General signed a performance contract with him, if not, why not, if so, when;

2. whether all senior managers in his department signed performance contracts with the Director-General; if not, (a) which senior managers did not sign, (b) for what reason and (c) when will it be done; if so; on which date each senior manager sign a performance contract?

3. REPLY

1. The performance agreement of the Director General is awaiting endorsement by the Minister. This is to be filed with the Public Service Commission on the due date of 31 August 2009.

2. Only 33 of the 63 senior managers have concluded performance agreements with their respective supervisors. The Performance Agreements were concluded before 31 July 2009 as required.

(a) The following senior managers did not conclude the Performance Agreements for the year 2009/10:

1. Kraba KMS

2. Werner L M

3. Damane S F

4. Mngomezulu M

5. Mashabane T

6. Mthembu J T

7. Mbanjwa Z N

8. Thembani N

9. Ramovha T

10. Mirembe J

11. Muthige M

12. Mohale A

13. Mabalane I

14. Mokalapa P

15. Nxumalo S

16. Lelosa M

17. Ngxongo EM

18. Von Broembsen DJ

19. Jolobe LM

20. Bayat J

21. Arendse A

22. Maclean M

23. Jiyana W

24. Minnie J

25. Gaesale RK

26. Kabagambe K

27. Dlabantu M

28. Letsholonyane N

29. Maphisa M

30. Wallis J

(b) The reasons for non compliance vary. In most of the cases, the agreements are signed by one party and are awaiting concurrence by the supervisors. In other instances, there is no reason given.

(c) The Department issued communiqué to senior managers to give them a period of grace until 31 August 2009. This was a final reminder and the necessary correction steps will be taken for non-compliance.

4. RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that you approve the draft reply to written question no. 918, should you concur with the content thereof.

QUESTION: 948

Ms B N Dambuza (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether, with regard to an increased need for urban housing against the demographic trend towards urbanization and the growing scarcity in and increased cost of urban housing, his department is promoting the regulation and protection of sectional title holder, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

The Sectional Titles Act, 1986 (Act No. 95 of 1986) ("the Sectional Titles Act") which regulate the sectional tittles industry is currently administered by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. The Department of Human Settlements is currently in the process of taking over certain provisions from the Sectional Titles Act. However, until this process has been finalized by Parliament, the Department does not have any legislative or Constitutional authority to promote the regulation and protection of sectional title holders since these functions currently still fall within the ambit of the mandate of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform through the Sectional Tittles Regulatory Board established under the Act.

QUESTION 947

Ms B N Dambuza, MP (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his department has a programme on its own, or in collaboration with other departments, to provide housing for child-headed households; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

No. However, my Department is a process of finalising a new National Programme that will address the housing needs of orphans and vulnerable children. The programme will be finalised in consultation with the Department of Social Development.

The Programme will provide grant funding to registered care-givers to enhance their current houses by adding a room, or rooms as the case may be, to ensure that they provide adequate shelter to the orphans and/or vulnerable children placed under their care. The additional rooms could be attached to existing houses or could be constructed as stand alone units on the stand. It will also be possible to adjust the designs of new dwellings to be constructed as part of approved housing subsidy projects.

In the case of child-headed households living in the houses of their deceased guardians, the proposed Programme will provide similar relief. The difference being that the property will belong to the deceased estate of the guardians and not to the care-givers. Such properties will later be transferred to the children in terms of the law of succession and as instructed by the Master of the Supreme Court.

The Programme is subject to the conditions that care-givers must be legally appointed by the Department of Social Development and orphans and/or vulnerable children must be legally placed under the care of the legally registered care giver through a Court order.

The Department of Social Development will be required to certify the need for additional living space, administer the appointment of care-givers and the Court procedures to place children with care-givers. The said Department will also be required to ensure that the living space so provided, is utilised for the intended purpose.

My Department is in the process to consult the Sector Departments through the Directors-General Social Protection and Community Development Cluster to ensure all aspects of the proposed programme are supported where after the matter will be submitted for final approval.

In terms of planning, the new Programme will be implemented with effect from 1 April 2010.

QUESTION NO. 929

QUESTION

Dr CP Mulder (FF Plus), to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) With regard to each financial year since 2004 until the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) how many (i) developers and (ii) construction firms in (aa) each province and (bb) countrywide were responsible for the construction of Government housing projects and (b) what amounts for each of the projects has the Government paid out to each of the (i) developers and (ii) construction firms;

(2) whether the Government has used any of the (a) developers and (b) construction firms more than once; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) which (aa) construction firms and (bb) developers were used for which projects and (ii) how much were they paid for each project;

(3) how many of the (a) developers and (b) construction firms (i) experienced financial problems or (ii) were declared insolvent prior to the completion of the Government housing projects;

(4) how many of the (a) developers and (b) construction firms who erected Government housing projects were involved in corruption and fraud in respect of the Government projects?

REPLY:

1 (a) Number of developers and construction firms.

(i) (aa)

Number of developers in each province

PROVINCE	Number of Developers
EASTERN CAPE	133
FREE STATE	206
GAUTENG	108
KWAZULU NATAL	111
LIMPOPO	209
MPUMALANGA	77
NORTHERN CAPE	47
NORTH WEST	90
WESTERN CAPE	143
TOTAL	1124

(i) (bb)

The number of developers country wide is 1124

(ii) (aa)

Number of Construction firms (Contractorsl Builders) in each province

PROVINCE	Number of Developers
EASTERN CAPE	8
FREE STATE	109
GAUTENG
KWAZULU NATAL	5
LIMPOPO	7
MPUMALANGA
NORTHERN CAPE	70
NORTH WEST	1
WESTERN CAPE	2
TOTAL	202

Gauteng and Mpumalanga have classified construction firms and municipalities in the Housing Subsidy System (HSS) data as developers.

(ii) (bb)

There are 202 construction firms country wide.

(b) The amounts paid by government for each project in respect of:

(i) Developers, refer to list A and D - Projects and payments

(ii) Construction firms, refer to list Band C - Projects and payment

2 (a) Yes, Government has used developers and

(b) Yes, Construction firms

(i) (aa) Lists Band C contain Construction firms used for each housing project: .

(bb) Lists A and D contain Developers used for each housing project

(ii) (aa) Amounts paid to construction firms for each housing project are as listed in lists Band C.

(bb) Amounts paid to developers for each housing project are contained in lists A and D.

3 (a) (i) As the Information Systems at the disposal of the Department does not incorporate information relating to the financial status of developers and construction firms, this information had to be requested from Provincial Human Settlements Departments who at this stage only two have indicated as follows:

Gauteng

Northern Cape: 11 contractors have experienced financial problems and did not complete the projects.

Further information regarding the other province will be provided as soon as it is received in full

(ii) The information regarding insolvency and liquidation of construction and development companies is not kept by the Department, therefore no information is available in this regard.

None

(b) (i) and (ii)

Information Systems at the disposal of the Department does not incorporate information relating to the financial status of developers and contraction firms. The Information was requested from Provincial Departments and they have not been able to provide such details.

4 (a) and (b) There were 289 developers and construction firms who were allegedly involved in corruption and fraud in respect of the Government projects.

QUESTION NUMBER 1163

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his department uses temporary employment services and/or labour brokers; if so, (a) why, (b) how many positions have been filled by temporary employment services in the (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 and (iii) 2008-09 financial years, (c) what percentage of the total staff complement did temporary employment services contribute in each of these years and (d) how much money has been spent on temporary employment services in each year?

REPLY

Yes. The Department utilises the services of employment agencies in the acquisition of temporary workers.

(a) The Department makes use of agencies for the appointment of staff on a short term or temporary basis.

The Department also utilises temporary staff to fill positions while the recruitment for permanent staff is in progress. This ensures that service delivery on critical functions is not hampered while the recruitment process is in progress.

(b) (i) 1

(ii) 9

(iii) 15

(c) 2006/07 = 0.2% (419 posts)

2007/08 = 2.1% (419 posts)

2008/09 = 3.2% (457 posts)

(d) 2006/07 = R131 700

2007/08 = R757 855

2008/09 = R1 203 420

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 383

FROM MR AC STEYN OF THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE (DA): WRITTEN REPLY

TO: THE MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

1. Purpose

To submit a draft reply in respect of Parliamentary Question no 383, received from Mr. A C Steyn of the Democratic Alliance (DA).

2. Background

The Minister has received a Parliamentary Question (attached below) from a Member of Parliament. Mr. A C Steyn of the DA who enquires on the following issue/s:

Whether a function was held by his department to celebrate his appointment as minister; if so,

(1) (a) How much did the function cost?

(b) What is the breakdown of the cost?

(c) How many guests attended the function?

(2) Whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests: if so,

(a) What were the costs? And

(b) What was the breakdown of these costs?

3. Discussion

The Department of Human Settlement did not hold any function to celebrate the appointment of the Minister and Deputy Ministers. Instead, an internal introductory meeting of the Minister and Deputy Minister to staff was held.

The introduction meeting of the Ministers cost the Department 1 (a) R25 433.40; (b) see (4) below; and (c) the staff complement of the Department of Human Settlement.

For question 2 (a) & (b), please refer to (4) below.

4. Financial implications

The introduction of Ministers to staff was done a minimal cost of R25433.40 for the hiring of chairs, decor and public sound address system.

5. Recommendation

It is recommended that the attached draft reply to Parliamentary Question 383 be noted and approved should you concur with the contents thereof.

Recommended/Not recommended

DR. CLARENCE TSHITEREKE

ACTING CHIEF DIRECTOR: COMMUNCATION SERVICES

DATE:

Supported/Not Supported

MR. NYAMEKO MBENGO

CHIEF DIRECTOR: FINANCIAL SERVICES DATE:

Supported/Not Supported

MR. MZIWONKE DLABANTU

DEPUTY DIRECTOR.(GENERAL: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DATE:

Approved/ Not Approved

MR. ITUMELENG KOTSOANE

DIRECTOR GENERAL: HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

DATE:

MR. MG SEXWALE

MINISTER: HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

DATE:

QUESTION NO: 1719

QUESTION

Mr A M Figlan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) What amount was spent by his department on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in the 2008-09 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, for (aa) him, (bb) his deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of his department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

(2) Why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case?

REPLY:

1(i) The amount spent by the Department of Human Settlements for the financial year 2008/09 is as follows:

(a) Hotel accommodation is R19, 989, 296.17.

(b) Restaurant expenses are R372, 729.06.

(c) Travel costs are R38, 662, 281.64.

(ii) The amount spent by the Department of Human Settlements for the current financial year up to 20 October 2009 is as follows:

(aa) The former Minister and current Minister have spent R1, 310, 972.05 for hotel accommodation, R9,999.10 for restaurant expenses and R 2, 172, 125.98 on travel costs.

(bb) The Deputy Minister has spent R199, 994.55 for hotel accommodation, R0, 00. for restaurant expenses and R479, 467.16 for travel costs

(cc) The Director General has spent R655, 980. 52 for hotel accommodation, R29, 482.93 for restaurant expenses and R1, 084 372.37

(dd) The Deputy Director General's have spent R662, 650.29 for hotel accommodation, R7, 321.43 for restaurant expenses and R879,513.67 for travel costs.

2. The Minister and the Deputy Minister used the specified accommodation when attending Ministerial duties while each specified individuals have used the specified accommodation in the execution of their duties.

QUESTION NO. 1212

QUESTION

Mr B Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister the Minister of Human Settlements:

1. Whether, on appointment to office, the department purchased a new vehicle for the Deputy Minister, or did the Deputy Minister inherent an existing vehicle; if a new vehicle was purchased, (a) what make and model was that vehicle,(c) how much did the vehicle cost, (b) (i) what extras, above and beyond the vehicle's purchase price, were bought with the vehicle and (ii) at what cost and (d) what was the motivation for the purchase; if a new vehicle was not purchased (a) what was the make and model of the car inherited by the Deputy Minister and(b) how old is the vehicle?

REPLY:

The Deputy Minister inherited extsting vehicles: Audi A8 of 2006 and Mercedes Benz E-300 of 2007, used for Pretoria and Cape Town respectively.

The Audi A8 is due for disposal and a new BMW was ordered as a replacement vehicle. The particulars of the vehicle ordered are as follows;

(a) a BMW 530d of 2009.

(b) the price of the vehicle is R 576 444.14 VAT. Inclusive.

(c) (i) no extras above and beyond the vehicle's purchase price were bought with the vehicle.

(ii) no cost for the extras as the vehicle was bought without extras.

QUESTION 877

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 AUGUST 2009; INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY NO. 10-2009

Ms A.T. Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

a) Whether, with reference to the need to conserve scarce water resources, an assessment of the ability of municipalities to supply treated water and waterborne sewerage systems to the population they serve on a sustainable basis is carried out before any new housing development is approved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

b) whether, in instances where a municipality is unable to provide sustainable water and wastewater services to the population it serves, houses provided by the Government will, in future, be provided with rainwater collection systems, including guttering, the necessary pipes and storage tans; if not, (a) why not and (b) what alternative water supply facilities will be provided; if so, what are the relevant details;

c) whether, in instances where a municipality is unable to provide long-terms sustainable waterborne sewerage facilities to the population it serves, new housing developments will be provided with alternative ablution facilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

a) It is a prerequisite of the National Housing Programme that the approval of so-called "Greenfield" housing development projects are subject to the confirmation by the applicable services providers that the services [and amenities] planned for the residential development are sustainable and feasible and that it will be able to provide the required services on a sustainable basis. Therefore, in circumstances where developers are not able to provide the required services, the Members of the Executive Councils responsible for Human Settlements will not approve the project and/or township applications.

b) Effective and efficient resource-use is an issue wholly endorsed, not only by the Department, but by government as a whole. It should, however, be borne in mind that the limited fiscus coupled with the ever-increasing demand for shelter, demands that there be prioritization insofar as funding is concerned. While this does not negate the need to think creatively around the application of funding allocations set aside for shelter provision, it should be remembered that shelter provision – as set out in the Housing Act – is an incremental programme; more specifically, this allows for the provision of basic shelter which can be improved upon over time.

Where feasible and practicable, project developers may consider alternative water provision and sanitation systems, on condition that such alternative solutions are sustainable for the future, is acceptable to the community and complies with environmental sustainability requirements for the said areas.

c) The Ministerial National Norms and Standards in respect of Permanent Residential Structures that directs minimum standards for the housing subsidy programme, already provides for the use of alternative sanitation systems on condition that these sanitation systems are acceptable to the community, are environmentally acceptable and can be sustained. The nature of the alternative systems that might be considered will be determined at project level and will be directed by environmental considerations, geotechnical conditions, etc.

The deployment of such alternative systems is not necessarily linked to the capacity of the municipality to provide the required services. Alternative sanitation systems have become necessary to ensure that the country complies with the urgent need for environmental sustainable development, especially in regions where water is scarce commodity.

QUESTION NO: 1965

QUESTION

1965. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) Whether (a) he, (b) his deputy minister, (c) any specified officials and (d) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card; if so, what are the relevant details for him, his deputy minister and each holder of a credit card in respect of the (i) name, (ii) job title, (iii) credit limit, (iv) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (v) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (vi) reason for such persons being issued with a credit card and (vii) uses that such a credit card is intended for.

(2) whether any such credit cards are over their credit limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit cards exceeding the limit;

(3) whether any action has been taken against such persons for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

1(a) The former Minister of Housing was issued with a government credit card, the current Minister of Human Settlements has not been issued with a government credit card.

(b) The Deputy Minister was issued with a government credit card.

(c) The Director General was issued with a government credit card.

(d) No other persons have been issued with a government credit card.

RELEVANT DETAILS

(i) Name	(ii) Job title	(iii) Credit Limit	(iv)Outstanding amount on 29/09/2009
Ms ZA Kota-Fredericks	Deputy Minister	R20,000.00	R14, 634. 47
Mr IW Kotsoane	Director General	R10,000.00	R10, 570.35

In addition to the above there is a total corporate limit of R50, 000.00 which should not be exceeded in a month. In this way where an individual card credit limit is reached special approval is given to exceed the individual limit on condition that the corporate limit is not exceeded. This is to avoid embarrassing circumstances, situations which may compromise security as well as during foreign trips.

(v) Monthly expenses since receiving the card:

Ms Z A Kota-Fredericks Deputy Minister

July 2009	R 319.98
August 2009	R1,037.60
September 2009	R14,634.47

Mr I W Kotsoane Director General Issued May 2006

May 2006	R 216.69
June 2006	R8,261.48
July 2006	R3,534.65
August 2006	R2,351.05
September 2006	R3,084.29
October 2006	R5,626.34
November 2006	R3,400.25
December 2006	R7,170.63
January 2007	R 751.63
February 2007	R2,182.95
March 2007	R1,593.28
April 2007	R7,720.09
May 2007	R1,942.70
June 2007	R4,881.20
July 2007	R3,291.00
August 2007	R 388.68
September 2007	R6,048.57
October 2007	R4,609.79
November 2007	R 978.00
December 2007	R10,004.56
January 2008	R0.00
February 2008	R2,946.60
March 2008	R7,060.04
April 2008	R 337.00
May 2008	R3,519.25
June 2008	R1,950.00
July 2008	R5,307.74
August 2008	R4,469.85
September 2008	R11,477.20
October 2008	R2,250.59
November 2008	R6,152.50
December 2008	R8,475.80
January 2009	R10,082.50
February 2009	R15,749.60
March 2009	R2,318.20
April 2009	R5,937.00
May 2009	R8,549.00
June 2009	R9,285.15
July 2009	R6,451.91
August 2009	R6,760.27
September 2009	R10,570.35

(vi) A Corporate credit card was issued to these officials for official purposes and with the approval of the Director-General in terms of the Cabinet decision on the 4th of November 1998.

(vii) Official domestic and overseas transport;

Official domestic and overseas accommodation;

Official domestic and overseas telephone expenditure;

International cellular phone rental expenditure;

International conference and registration fees;

Parking fees;

Tollgate fees;

Domestic and overseas subsistence; and

Official personal entertainment

2. (a)The Director General's credit card has exceeded the individual credit

card limit although the corporate limit has not been exceeded

(b) The Director General had to use the credit card to pay for a special

meeting he had with the provincial Heads of Departments.

3. The Director General has arranged to settle the amount.

QUESTION NO. 2122

QUESTION

Dr LL Bosman (DA), to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) Whether his department has a record of the (a) number and (b) details of the beneficiaries that have benefited from the Farm Worker and Occupier Housing Assistance programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2790E

REPLY:

1 (a) Yes, 1 119 beneficiaries have benefited from Farm Worker related housing assistance.

(b) The details of the beneficiaries are available and can be obtained from Mr. Johan Minnie on the telephone number 012 421 1778 within our Department.

QUESTION NO: 573

PARLAMENTARY QUESTION NO NW637E: INCIDENCE OF BLOCKED PROJECTS AND PROGRESS MADE IN UNBLOCKING THEM

REFERENCE: BP/PQ/NW637E

MINISTER

1. PURPOSE

To obtain approval of the draft reply to parliamentary question NW637E

2. DETAILS OF THE QUESTION

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

1. Whether any housing projects have been blocked in each province during each of the past five (5) years up to the latest specified date for which information is available.

If so:

(a) how many government housing projects were blocked; and. (b) for each project that has been blocked:

(i) where is situated?

(ii) when was it blocked?

(iii) why was it blocked?

(iv) how much was spent on the project?

2. Whether these projects are still blocked?

If so, why?

If not:

(a) when was the project; and,

(b) when was or will it be completed?

3. Discussion

The relevant question was received by the Department on Monday, 13 July 2009. The information required to provide Mr Steyn with a comprehensive reply is not readily available in the Department and needs to be obtained from and verified by Provinces.

The question also requires sourcing additional historical information from the Provincial Human Settlement Departments which is no longer contained in the Housing Subsidy System (HSS), such as the following:

• Identification of projects that have been blocked during the past five years, but have since been unblocked;
• to establish the various reasons for the blockages; and,
• to establish the dates on which the projects were unblocked, and have since been completed or are projected to be completed.

4. RECOMMENDATION

In view of the above it is recommended that Hon. Steyn be provided with a comprehensive reply once all the information has been obtained from the Provinces, and that an interim reply be provided as follows:

The information required to provide Mr Steyn with a comprehensive reply is not readily available in the Department and needs to be obtained from and verified by Provinces. A detailed response will be tabled once all the required information has been obtained and verified with the nine Provincial Human Settlement Departments.

QUESTION NO.: 110

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) What is the current status of (a) Servcon, (b) Thubelisha and (c) the proposed Housing Development Agency;

(2) whether her department has set any timelines with regard to the proposed Housing Development Agency; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a) Servcon: The Closure Plan of Servcon has been approved. As such the business of Servcon is currently being wound up. The Department has constituted a Steering Committee comprising of officials from the National Departments of Housing, Public Service & Administration and National Treasury to facilitate the closure process in consultation with the Board. The Steering Committee meets regularly to assess progress and report to the Board. All business pertaining to the Service Level Agreements with Provincial Housing Departments will be finalised before final closure of the entity.

(b) Thubelisha: The Closure Plan of Thubelisha has been approved. As such the business of Thubelisha is currently being wound up. The Department has constituted a Steering Committee comprising of officials from the National Departments of Housing, Public Service & Administration and National Treasury to facilitate the closure process in consultation with the Board. The Steering Committee meets regularly to assess progress and report to the Board.

(c) HDA: The HDA Board was constituted in February 2009 and the positions of the CEO and CFO were also filled in February 2009.

2. Yes there are set timelines. All deliverables, as set out in the project implementation plan, have been achieved within and earlier than the set timeframe.

ANNEXURE A: HDA ESTABLSIHMENT PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:

Item Description	Deliverable	Indicator	Time	Achieved
Business Case	Finalise the preparation of the Business case and the consultative processes with key stakeholders	Business Case prepared and approved	February 2008	Done
Approval of the Housing Development Agency Bill	Seek approval of the Housing Development Agency Bill	Housing Development Agency Bill approved	March 2008	Done
Briefing of the Portfolio Committee on Bill and Business Case	Brief the Portfolio Committee on Bill and Business Case and Obtain approval for Business Case	Portfolio Committee briefed of the Business Case and Bill	April 2008	Done
Submitting the Bill and Business Case to Cabinet	Submit Bill and Business Case to Cabinet - Draft SPV Bill OR Revised Housing Amendment Bill; - A Bill which creates a new entity; and - The Publication of the Bill prior to its introduction in Parliament	Bill submitted to Cabinet	July 2008	Done
Publication of the Bill in the Gazette	Bill published in Gazette for comment (A minimum of 30 days must be allowed for public comment. Engage DPLG regarding the Municipal Systems Act consultation processes).	Bill published in the Gazette	September 2008	Done
Resubmission of the Bill to Minister and Cabinet	Resubmit revised Bill to Minister and Cabinet for Approval	Bill resubmitted to Minister and Cabinet for approval	October 2008	Done
State Law Advisors	Refer Bill to Sate Law Advisors for Certification (6 weeks allowed for State Law Advisors)	Bill referred to State Law Advisors	October 2008	Done
Translation of the Bill	Bill returned to Department and submitted for translation	Translated Bill returned to the Department	November 2008	Done
Rule 159/241 Notice	Rule 159/241 Notice published in the Gazette	Rule 159/241 Notice published in the gazette	November 2008	Done
National Assembly and Chair of the NCOP	Bill and Copy of Notice to Speaker of National Assembly (NA) and Chair of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)	Bill and Copy of Notice submitted to the Speaker of National Assembly and Chair of the NCOP	November 2008	Done
Bill introduced to parliament	Introduction of the Bill to Parliament Bill introduced in Parliament	Bill introduced to Parliament	November 2008	Done
Printing of the Bill	Bill printed and tagged	Bill printed and tagged	November 2008	Done
Portfolio Committee Briefing	Brief Portfolio Committee	Portfolio Committee briefed	November 2008	Done
Passing of the Bill by National Assembly	Deliberation and passing of Bill by NA	Bill deliberated and passed by the NA	January 2009	Done
NCOP and Select Committee Briefing	Bill to NCOP and briefing of Select Committee	Bill submitted to NCOP and Select Committee briefed	February 2009	Done
Declaration and passing of the Bill by the NCOP	Declaration and passing of Bill by NCOP	Bill declared and passed by the NCOP	February 2009	Done
Approval and promulgation of the Act	Bill signed by President and promulgated	Signed and Approved Bill	February 2009	Done
Establishment of the Legal Entity	Establish Legal Entity	Legal Entity established	March 2009	Done
Criteria and advertising for Board Nominations	Develop criteria & Advertise for Board nomination	Criteria for Board Nominations developed	February 2009	Done
Criteria and Advertising for CEO position	Develop Criteria & Advertise for CEO appointment by the Board	Criteria for CEO appointment developed	February 2009	Done
Criteria and Advertising for CFO position	Develop Criteria & Advertise for CFO appointment by the Board	Criteria for CFO appointment developed	February 2009	Done

QUESTION NO 86

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether her department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) whether advertising from her department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

Communications is part of the responsibility of delivery. The Department of Housing's communication campaign has been on-going and is independent of election process. As such, it will continue in each financial year as the need to educate the public about the criteria for benefiting from the national housing programme and options available for beneficiaries will surely exist beyond the elections.

QUESTION 1732

Question 1732: Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

• 1. In respect of each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) how many houses have been built with funds allocated in terms of the capital subsidy grant scheme in the municipalities of (i) Makana

QUESTION 1732

Question 1732: Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

• • 1. In respect of each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) how many houses have been built with funds allocated in terms of the capital subsidy grant scheme in the municipalities of (i) Makana and (ii) Vollanlie and (b) what is the current backlog in housing delivery in each case:
    2. Whether a survey has been conducted to establish the number of defective houses that have been built; if not, why not, if so, how many houses were found to be defective;

3. Whether her department will repair the defective houses; if not, why not; if so,

4. Whether she will take any action against the responsible contractors; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

The information will be provided to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available.

QUESTION NO.: 1705

Mr A C Steyn, DA to ask the Minister of Housing:

1. In respect of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 annual rep

QUESTION NO.: 1705

Mr A C Steyn, DA to ask the Minister of Housing:

1. In respect of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 annual reports of her Department and the annual reports of each statutory and other entities reporting to her,

(a) what was the (i) budgeted cost, (ii) actual cost and (iii) unit cost of each annual report;

(b) how many copies of each were (i) produced and (ii) distributed?

Reply:

The information will be provided to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available.

QUESTION No. 30

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

Whether her department commissioned a certain television show (name and details furnished); if not, who commissioned this show; if so, (a) what is the purpose of commissioning the show, (b) how much (i) is each television channel paid for broadcasting the series and (ii) has been (aa) budgeted and (bb) spent on this show, (c) from which budget was this amount allocated and (d) what is the running period of the show?

Reply

In view of the fact that the Honourable Member lodged an official complaint with the Public Protector on this matter, I am unable to provide him with the information until the investigation is completed.

It must be pointed out for the record that the programme has been running for the last 18 months. It is interesting that the conscientious member is only now complaining about it.

Reply:

QUESTION NO.: 1444

Mr A C Steyn (DA) is to ask the Minister of Housing as follows:

(1) (a) What was the total cost to the State of consultants used by her

department in the (i) 2005-06; (ii) 2006-07 and (iii) 2007-08 financial years, (b) what are the names of the consultants used, (c) for what purpose were they used and (d) what was the reason for preferring to use consultants instead of hiring persons with the necessary skills?

(2) Whether any former employees of her department have been employed as consultants in the abovementioned financial years; if so (a) why and (b) why did each person leave her department?

Reply:

(1)(a)(i) The total cost to the State of consultants used by the department in the 2005-06 financial years amounted to R 16 597 564.46;

(ii) The total cost to the State of consultants used by the department in the 2006-07 financial years amounted to R21 495 726-96; and

(iii) The total cost to the State of consultants used by the department in the 2007-08 financial year amounted to R 29 464 653-47.

(b)(i) Consultants appointed in 2005-06:

Name of Consultant	Purpose of appointment
CSIR - Boutek	Conduct feasibility study into the development of a mechanism to support alternative technologies and indigenous knowledge systems in rural context.
Shikanda Event Management cc	To organize a National Housing research seminar for the Department of Housing.
Strategic Alter Management	Development of a detailed policy and implementation guidelines for housing assistances to Households affected by death of Guardians / Parents and the protection of Assets Financed by HSS .
V3 Consulting Engineers	Assist with the determining the capacity requirements for the National department of Housing as well as the Provincial Housing Departments.
Nkonki Incorporated	Development of a detailed policy and implementation manual on variation of subsidy amount to cater for extraordinary development. Conditions and the special housing requirements of categories beneficiaries.
Manto Management (Pty) Ltd	Validation of the housing waiting lists in the country, their development processes and the consolidation thereof.
KPMG Service	Development of a comprehensive monitoring evaluation and impact assessment system for the National Department of Housing.
Africon Engineering International	Development of a comprehensive monitoring evaluation and impact assessment system for the National Department of Housing.
Procurement Dynamics (Pty) Ltd	Investigation of the impact of client payment processes on small/ micro and medium contractors.
Nkonki Incorporated	Finalizing of registration process towards achieving a National Housing demand database in the Western Cape, City of Cape Town.

Consultants appointed in 2006/07:

Name of Consultant	Purpose of appointment
EDTECH Consulting	To Conduct Housing Consumer Education Train the Trainer as part of the Housing Consumer Education {HOE} – Rollout to Provinces and Municipalities.
T.L. Consulting	To Manage the implementation of the housing Consumer Education Programme.
Nomkhitha Gys ans & Associates Development Consultants	For finalizing the registration / confirmation process towards achieving a national housing demand database in the Western cape City of Cape Town.
Kago Local Government Consulting	Conduct Train-the-Trainer on Sanitation, Health and Hygiene Programme:
Richard Tomlinson	For converting the National Housing Code into new policy and implementation guidelines for sustainable housing development.
Khuthulani Cleaning Services	Rendering of cleaning services for one year.
Bergstan SA	Conduct a study into the State of Social Economic, Ethnic, Citizenry and Racial Integration in residential areas.
Focused Approach Management Urban Dynamics Gauteng Inc.	Appointment of a service provider: task directive for the first phase of a back office delivery turn around plan for the National Department of Housing.

Consultants appointed in 2007/08:

Name of Consultant	Purpose of appointment
Bergstan SA	To undertake a study into the State of Social Economic, Ethnic, Citizenry and Racial Integration in Resettlement Areas.
Tiso Coaching Services	To workshop Councilors in terms of the Home Loan and Mortgage Disclosure Act 2000 (Act No. 63 of 2000)
Development Works	Development of the Rollout Strategy for Housing Chapters of Integrated Development Plans
Oryx Media Products	Develop and implement a Communication Strategy to influence and raise awareness in the NS Gateway Project
Graham Paddock and Associates	Assist with the completion of the remaining work on Sectional Titles Management Bills and Community Schemes Ombud Service Bills.
Ashira Consulting	Do an investigation of insurance cover for subsidy house
Kayamandi Informatics (Pty) Ltd	To mediate between communities in conflict over housing development in Ekhuphumeleni in Phillipi in the Western Cape Province
Centre for Conflict Resolution	Conduct training on Housing Consumer Education and Housing Policy and Legislation for the N2 Gateway Project
T L Consulting	Undertake a benchmarking initiative on corporate policies of public agencies and develop a full suite of corporate policies for the Housing Development Agency Ltd in preparation for its eventual establishment and operation
I Selepe Consulting	Perform DOH Risk Management Services
Ernst & Young	Do an evaluation of the reporting on the advance tranch payments made to municipalities to implement approved projects linked to subsidies
Hlaniki Investment Holding and Wits Business School	Conduct training for elected Councilors
Dynamics Maserumule Incorporated	Assist with legal advisory services
Urban Dynamics	Appointment of a service provider: task directive for the first phase of a back office delivery turn around plan for the National Department of Housing.

(c) See above.

(d) The appointment of consultants was necessitated by the specialised nature of the specific assignments. These assignments required special expertise for a defined period. Such projects furthermore did not warrant the appointment of persons on a permanent basis on the structure of the Department as it would not have been cost effective.

2. No former employees of the department were employed as consultants during the financial years: 2005/ 06; 2006/07 and 2007/08.

QUESTION NUMBER 1520

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether she has been informed of a letter being distributed in the name of a certain person (details furnished); if so,

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

Please find the following statement that was issued by the MEC for Local Government and Housing: North West on 11 August 2008, responding to this matter.

"Confiscation of houses a hoax

11 August 2008

The North West Department of Developmental Local Government and Housing has dismissed the fraudulent declaration signed by a fictitious "Hon Richard Molefe" purportedly in his capacity as Minister for Local Government and Housing as a hoax.

The deceitful "declaration" dated 31 July 2008 is fraudulently written on the letterhead of the North West Provincial Legislature and circulated in Klerksdorp. It alleges that according to New Statue Law 34/217 of 2008, 5 000 houses and or townhouses to the value of between R1.2 million in Tlokwe, Matlosana and Rustenburg Local Municipalities are to be confiscated from white house owners and transferred to previously disadvantaged groups.

There is no Hon Richard Molefe in the North West Provincial Legislature, in the National Assembly, National Council, Council of Provinces and in other provincial legislatures throughout South Africa. The quoted Statue Law does not exist and the "declaration" is not even in the prescribed format or gazetted as required by law. The hoax is a dishonourable, mischievous product of desperate elements wishing to stir unnecessary anxiety, discontent and tension within the targeted communities.

In dismissing the circulated document as a hoax, the MEC for Developmental Local Government and Housing, Howard Yawa said. "The Department has no intention to confiscate any houses or townhouses or infringe on the rights of citizens to property. The hoax is a disingenuous farce that undermines our constitutional democracy."

The department urges any person with information as to the origin of the document or its distributors to report the matter to the police. Residents are also urged to be vigilant and demand identification from any person claiming to be an official executing the declaration and report the person to the police."

QUESTION NO. 824

WRITTEN REPLY

Mr A C Steyn, MP (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

Whether any economically sustainable communities have been developed over the past fourteen years through the RDP housing; if not, why not; if so (a) how many, (b) where are they located and (c) how was their sustainability measured.

Reply

The concept of economically sustainable communities was only adopted in relation to the Comprehensive Plan for the Establishment of Sustainable Human Settlements (Breaking New Ground) introduced in 2004 and therefore has no bearing on the RDP housing programmes.

QUESTION NO.: 563

Mr A C Steyn (DA), MP to ask the Minister of Housing:

(a) Which provinces made use of the Operational Expenditure Budget in support of the implementation of National and Provincial Housing Programmes,

(b) What amounts were disbursed against this facility in each province in the (i) 2006-07 and (ii ) 2007-08 financial years,

(c) What are the names of the consultants appointed,

(d) What was their total remuneration in each financial year,

(e) What are the details of the projects they were involved in, and

(f) What is the value received by the provincial department by their employment?

RESPONSE:

For 2006/07 financial year 5 provinces, namely Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Western Cape made use of the Operational Capital Budget. With respect to 2007/08 all provinces in exception of Limpopo have made use of Operational Capital Budget.

The amount disbursed by the provinces are as follows:

Provinces	06/07 Expenditure R'000	0 7/08 Expenditure R'000
Eastern Cape	21,246	29,746
Free State	7,628	17,676
Gauteng	-	46,944
Kwazulu Natal	-	535
Limpopo	-	-
Mpumalanga	4,349	14,496
Northern Cape	1,413	1,294
North West	-	19,092
Western Cape	11,552	3,626
Total	46,188	133,409

Question no: 564

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(a) How many Cuban technical advisors were involved in the co-operation programme between her department and Cuba's Ministry of Construction in the (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2007-08 financial years, (b) which provinces were they employed in, (c) how many were employed in each province and (d) what are the details of the projects they were and are involved in in respect of (i) value, (ii) number of units and (iii) expected completion dates?

Reply:

(i) In 2006/07 fifty seven (57) Technical advisors were employed by provinces.

(ii) In 2007/ 08- fifty seven (57) Technical advisors were employed in provinces.

Cuban technical advisors were employed in provinces as follows:

Province	Number of Cuban advisors employed in provinces
Eastern Cape Mpumalanga Free State Limpopo Kwazulu Natal Western Cape North West	9 12 5 7 10 12 5

(d) (i) Cuban engineers and architects are recruited by provinces to provide technical support in housing projects implemented by provinces. It is a known fact that, currently the country is experiencing shortage of skills in almost all sectors. The construction industry is facing similar challenges more especially with the i nfrastructure investment by government and the looming big event like the 2010 World Cup the demand for skills remain high. Government is competing with the private sector for the limited skills available and with the incentives that the private sector offers, skilled people are easily lured to the private sector, and that leaves the public sector with the challenge to implement its programmes without adequate capacity. The challenge is even compounded/ increased by the fact that housing programmes are being implemented in rural areas where very few professionals are interested in providing their services. The Cuban technical advisors are recruited to address skills shortage and to fill the void where their services are mostly required especially in rural areas. Cuban advisors have provided invaluable service by imparting skills and knowledge to officials at provincial and municipal level, communities, NGO's and students who participated in housing projects as part of their experiential learning.

(ii) Cuban technical advisors were involved in projects as follows:

Province	NO of projects they were involved in	Houses/Units completed	Houses/ Units under construction
Eastern Cape	102	2208	37 952
Kwazulu Natal	24	1 760	1 300
North West	19	3 700	545
Nothern Cape	6	700	1000
Mpumalanga	27	2 532	2 967
Free State	24	1 760	1 300
Western Cape	20	847	779

(iii) The Cuban technical advisors are employed in the provinces for a fixed three year period. Due to the fact that housing projects are implemented in phases, in many instances when they enter or leave South Africa after their contracts have expired, projects are at various stages of development.

QUESTION No. 887

Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether there has been a comprehensive physical inspection of housing projects by the various Provincial Authorities and/or her department to quantify accurately the number of houses with building defects; if not; why not; if so, in each province (a) how many units require repair work and (b) what is the total estimated cost thereof;

(2) whether any contracts have been rewarded for the repair of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses; if so, in each province (a) how many contracts, (b) what is the total number of units involved and (c) what is the estimated cost thereof;

(3) Whether there has been a comprehensive survey in each province to establish the number of persons who have taken occupation of their RDP houses, but have not yet received the deed of transfer, if not, why not; if so, how many of these transfers have been outstanding for a period (a) less than three months, (b) between three to six months, (c) between six to twelve months and (d) longer than 12 months;

(4) Whether there is a plan in place to rectify the situation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

(1) Yes, Provincial Housing Departments did initiate a process to determine the number of housing units with building defects. Various methodologies such as surveys and requests for beneficiary applications were utilised to determine the projects and number of units with defects that have to undergo rectification. The services of the NHBRC are utilised to ensure that the same contractor who initially built the units, is not appointed to do the rectification and that contractors appointed adhere to the necessary requirements.

In terms of the information received from the Provincial Housing Departments, the Rectification Programme has been implemented in all nine provinces. Detail of the status quo in each Province is set out in the table below:

Province	Number of units	Total estimated costs - R' million	Status
Eastern Cape	19 953	99,7	Currently 150 units are at various stages of completion.
Free State	-	-	In a process of appointing a service provider to do a survey to identify the number of units to be rectified.
Gauteng	3 440	N/A	Rectification process in progress
KwaZulu-Natal	839	N/A	Rectification process in progress
Limpopo	2000	N/A	Rectification process in progress
Mpumalanga	9 701	N/A	Survey has been done and the appointment of contractors for the first 300 units is receiving attention through the normal procurement process
Northern Cape	1341	12,4	Currently 554 housing units have been rectified and the balance is in process.
North West	600	2,3	Programme is still in the planning stage and a contractor has not yet been appointed.
Western Cape	2473	82,4	Applications has been received for 2705 and are in process of being evaluated.

(2) The following provinces have already appointed contractors, namely: Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Western Cape.

PROVINCE	HOW MANY CONTRACTS	TOTAL NUMBER OF UNITS INVOLVED	ESTIMATED COST R' MILLION
Eastern Cape	26	5,145	99,7
Mpumalanga	3	N/A
Northern Cape	1	1341	12,4
Western Cape	6	2473	82,4

(3) Yes, various initiatives have been undertaken or are in the process to verify whether beneficiairies ocuppying their houses have received deed of transfer. Details of the status quo in the various Provinces are as follows:

Eastern Cape:

The survey is under way. A service provider has been appointed to conduct a door to door verification exercise of all people that received a subsidised house. The objective of the survey is to verify whether the occupant is the approved owner of the property and whether he/she has received a title deed. The survey only commenced in April 2008 and has not yet been finalised. Some of the transfers have been outstanding for longer than twelve months due to certain municipalities not having finalised the township establishment process.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Housing Department is in the process of appointing town planning experts to assist with the fast-tracking of the township establishment process in projects where this is an inhibiting factor. The latter projects have been identified. The Provincial Department is also currently beefing up its contract management capacity to assist municipalities to deal with slack conveyancers. In terms hereof, monthly meetings are held with the relevant municipalities and their conveyancers to iron out issues that have blockages.

Gauteng:

The Gauteng Provincial Housing Department has appointed a service provider, namely Servcon to undertake an audit of occupation of the housing subsidy scheme houses. Servcon has been instructed by the Provincial Housing Department to visit houses built by the province and ascertain whether the approved beneficiary is in occupation of the house. Servcon established to date that 25 053 beneficiaries are in occupation of their housing subsidy scheme house but have not received their title deeds. The Provincial Housing Department has mandated Servcon to regularize instances where the beneficiaries have not received their title deeds and to ensure that these beneficiaries are registered at the Deeds Office.

Limpopo:

According to a survey conducted, a total number of 10 473 beneficiaries have taken occupancy of subsidised houses without deeds of transfer being issued. The Provincial Department is planning to register 3000 of these properties during the current financial year, 4000 in 2009/10 and the balance of 3475 in the 2010/2011 financial year.

Mpumalanga:

The Provincial Housing Department is aware of the occupants of subsidised houses without title deeds. Problems are being experienced with registering title deeds because most of the townships were not proclaimed and developments are located in rural areas. As a result, conveyancers are struggling to register deeds. The Provincial Housing Department has initiated a process to proclaim all townships in order to be able to register title deeds which will assist in preventing beneficiaries from selling subsidised houses unlawfully. A service provider has been appointed to take the necessary steps and some documentation has already been submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Deeds.

Northern Cape

A total number of 2628 beneficiaires without title deeds was identified during an investigation in October 2007. Of this number 1136 registrations have already taken place and the particulars of the other have been forwarded to the relevant conveyancers for the necessary attention. Investigations are continuing and the number of registrations is updated every two weeks.

Western Cape

The Western Cape Provincial Housing Department has commenced with some surveys in this regard but no information is yet available of the extent or number of beneficiaries that occupy subsidised housing units which are not yet transferred to their names.

(4) As indicated in paragraph (3) above, most Provinces have already put some initiatives in place to address this matter. In addition, the National Department of Housing is also in the process of considering various options in this regard to assist Provincial Housing Departments in their efforts.

QUESTION NO.: 636

Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Housing as follows:

(1) How many employees in her department are currently (i) under investigation for fraud related to housing subsidies and ancillary matters and (ii) being prosecuted for fraud (iii) have owned up to fraud and have been spared prosecution provided that money that has misappropriated, is paid back, (b) what steps have been taken to eliminate fraud con cerning housing subsidies and (c) with what success?

Reply:

None

I can imagine the glee with which the Honourable Member asked the question. Here are the facts:

No employees in my department are under investigation because no corruption or fraud has taken place IN the department, but unearthed when an audit was done and civil servants across government had made false submissions and thereby procured housing subsidies. NOT ONE of these civil servants was from the Department of Housing. NOT ONE.

In my Budget Vote on 28 May 2008, I reported back to Parliament on a matter referred to the department by the Auditor-General from his review of the period 1999 to 2004, where government employees from various levels of government, had fraudulently claimed subsidy housing. The Department of Housing monitors the subsidy scheme in the same way as National Treasury monitors the Persal salary payment system.

The National Department of Housing does not administer subsidies, it only monitors the system.

(b) This is what I delivered in my Budget Vote address on 28 May 2008:

"The SIU embarked on a massive forensic data analytical investigation and identified 31259 potentially irregular housing subsidy transactions awarded to government employees nationally. The SIU has begun the process of prosecuting and finalising criminal cases against the corrupt officials in different Provinces around the country. 29 cases have already been finalised with sentences including the payment of the value of the houses. The total amount of debt we expect to recover is R6 827,036.30. A cash amount of R1 103,772.00 has been paid back. The SIU will make recommendations to the Department in order to curb future systematic or opportunistic abuse of the Housing Subsidy System.

"It is envisaged that two hundred (200) cases will be placed on the court roll in the new financial year. The prosecution of fraudulent beneficiaries will have a significant impact in terms of deterrence and promoting a culture of legal obedience."

QUESTION NO: 332

Mr S.J. Masango, (D.A), to ask the Minister of Housing:

As the latest specified date for which information is available,

(a) How many units of the N2 Gateway development were occupied

(i) in total; and

(ii) by individuals who had been on the Cape Town housing list.

(b) What is the current estimated date of completion of the project; and

(c) What constraints remain in meeting the target date?

Reply

(a) (i) As of 17th June 2008, the total number of units occupied in the N2 Gateway Project is as follows:

Rental Units: Joe Slovo Rental Units 705

Total 705

Ownership units: Delft Symphony Precints 4 and 6 1061

Delft 7 – 9 150

New Rest 150

1361

(ii) Of the 1361 houses handed over, 429 beneficiaries were backyarders and 932 from informal settlements who are all from the City's waiting list..

(b) The N2 Gateway Project is a project which seeks to test the appropriateness of the "Breaking New Ground" Comprehensive Plan for the delivery of sustainable and integrated Human Settlements.

The current status of the project:

Delft Symphony	6242 serviced sites. Serviced site for the construction of 350 rental units.	Complete Complete.
Delft 7-9	3908 serviced sites Serviced site for the construction of 845 rental units.	Complete
New Rest	1154 serviced sites.	To be completed Dec 2008
Joe Slovo 3	1545 serviced sites.	Date unknown as we await outcome of court action.
Boystown	1308 serviced sites.	Unknown

HOUSES

Joe Slovo Rental Housing	705 units	Complete
Delft Symphony Precinct 4 & 6	2374	To be completed Aug 2008 1061 occupied.
Delft Symphony Precinct 1& 2	1850	To be completed Jun 2009
Delft Symphony Social Rental	350	To be completed Jun 2009
Delft Symphony Precinct 3 & 5	1333	To be completed Jun 2009
Delft 7-9	3908	To be completed Dec 2008 150 occupied.
Delft 7-9 Social Rental	845 (up to 3 storeys)	To be completed Jun 2009
New Rest (contractor Built)	620	To be completed Feb 2009 150 occupied.
New Rest (PHP)	535	To be completed Jun 2009
Boystown	1308	To be completed Mar 2010
Joe Slovo 2	43 ( affordable houses by others)	December 2008.
Joe Slovo 3	1545	Date unknown as we await outcome of court action.

The above upon completion will realise 15,416 housing opportunities. Whilst it was originally the intention to deliver 23,178 housing opportunities this figure continues to increase as a result of inward migration and is estimated to be now closer to 30,000. It follows, therefore, that a further 15,000 housing opportunities will have to be made available. This will form part of the next process, which has already been initiated, of identifying and acquiring land to be able to meet this growing demand which then will define the project completion date.

(c) Other than the land shortages experienced in the whole of the Cape Town region, the other constraints remaining in meeting the target for the completion of the project are as follows:

· Illegal invasions

· Labour challenges

· Protest actions

QUESTION 1014

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether her department (a) has kept records as required by the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, and (b) has reported any incidents of losses through (i) criminal conduct, (ii) unauthorised expenditure, (iii) irregular expenditure or (iv) fruitless and wasteful expenditure during the 2007-08 financial year; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether any action has been taken against the offending officials; if not, why not; if so, in each category, (a) how many officials (i) were dismissed, (ii) were suspended and (iii) had other sanctions imposed on them and (b) what amounts of money were involved;

(3) whether there were any disciplinary cases pending on 31 March 2008; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a) Yes

(b) Yes

2. Yes

(a) (i) One (1) dismissal for theft

(ii) None

(iii) One written warning

Four final written warnings

(b) A total of R32 328-12 for all cases

4. Yes, one (1) case is pending. It was found that the official negligently mismanaged state finances.

QUESTION NO.: 1253

Mr AC Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

§ What amount was spent by officials of her Department on

(a) Hotel Accommodation

(b) restaurants expenses and

(c) travel costs.

(i) in the 2007 -08 financial year and

(ii) during the period 1 April 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

REPLY

The Department has constitutional and statutory responsibilities towards the Portfolio Committee and other Parliamentary structures, whenever their presence is required. In the period under question, the department has appeared before Parliament structures no less than 51 occasions. The staff attends Minmec meetings, which is also a statutory requirement. A departmental team is permanently based in the Eastern Cape, acting on a Cabinet instruction for a special intervention. In addition, the officials of the Department of Housing are responsible to regularly travel to all nine provinces to check on progress made with the implementation of housing projects, meet with Provincial Housing Departments. These responsibilities of the National Department of Housing means that officials would travel and sometimes stay overnight in hotels and that costs would be incurred.

Total expenditure incurred during 2007/08 on hotel accommodation, restaurants and travel costs amounted to R 27 754 161.46

DOMESTIC	FOREIGN
(a)(i) Accommodation R 5 762 905.68 (b)(i) Daily allowance and incidental costs R 639 594.95 (c)((i) Travel costs R 16 916 483.88 Total R 23 318 984.51	(a)(i) Accommodation R 2 005 885.54 (b)(i) Daily allowance and incidental costs R 291 068.15 (c) (i) Travel costs R2 138 223.26 Total R4 435 176.95

Total expenditure incurred from 1 April 2008 to 05 August 2008 on hotel accommodation, restaurants and travel costs amounted to R 10 159 539.93. The amount comprises:

DOMESTIC	FOREIGN
(a)(ii) Accommodation R 1 888 273.70 (b)(ii) Daily allowance and incidental costs R 253 359.41 (c)(ii) Travel costs R 6 046 885.52 Total R 8 188 518.63	(a)(ii) Accommodation R 1 592 478.48 (b)(ii) Daily allowance and incidental costs R 122 075.98 (c)(ii) Travel costs R 256 466.84 Total R 1 971 021.30

QUESTION NO: 1275

Mr P J Groenewald (FF) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) What amount did her department (a) budget and (b) spend on the construction of new houses in North West in the (i) 2004-05, (ii) 2005-06, (iii) 2006-07 and (iv) 2007-08 financial years and (c) in what areas was this money spent;

(2) Whether there was any over- or under spending of the budget; if so, what were the reasons for this in each case;

(3) Whether any problems are mentioned in the project reports of the various project managers in North West; if so, (a) what are these problems and (b) what corrective steps are being taken in each case;

(4) Whether she will make a statement on the matter?

REPLY

1 The following amounts were granted to the North West province for the (i)2004/05; (ii) 2005/06; (iii) 2006/07 and 2007/08 financial years:

Financial year	Total Funds available R'000	Amount spent R'000
2004/05	513 737	371 933
2005/06	609 795	615 412
2006/07	699 915	696 544
2007/08	875 178	*785 516

* The figure for the 2007/08 financial year is in the process of being audited due to the fact that the audit report has not been issued as yet.

(c) The funds were reported to have been spent in the following housing programmes:

1. Project-Linked Subsidies	7. Developer Driven Individual Subsidy
2. Consolidated Subsidies	8. Individual subsidies
3. Institutional Programme	9. Extended Benefit Scheme
4.Hostel Upgrading Programme	10.Social Housing Prorgramme
5. Rural housing Programme	11.Integrated Human Settlement Programme
6. Peoples Housing Process Programme	12. Operational Capital Programme

QUESTION NO: 904

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether her department makes use of private security firms; if so, how much money was spent on such firms in 2007;

(2) whether these firms are used on a contractual basis; if so, (a) how many contracts did her department take out in this regard in 2007, (b) with which firms were these contracts taken out, (c) for what specific purpose was each contract taken out and (d) what was the value of the contract in each case;

(3) why is there a need for her department to use a private security firm as opposed to state security?

Reply

(1) No

(2) Not applicable

(3) Not applicable

QUESTION NO: 904

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether her department makes use of private security firms; if so, how much money was spent on such firms in 2007;

(2) whether these firms are used on a contractual basis; if so, (a) how many contracts did her department take out in this regard in 2007, (b) with which firms were these contracts taken out, (c) for what specific purpose was each contract taken out and (d) what was the value of the contract in each case;

(3) why is there a need for her department to use a private security firm as opposed to state security?

Reply

(1) No

(2) Not applicable

(3) Not applicable

QUESTION No. 1905

Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to oral Question 102 on 12 March 2008, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and the Eastern Cape Provincial Housing Department has provided her with the relevant information; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

(1) Yes. Funding for the work was approved by the Council, tender documents were prepared, and the tender process was followed. The site was handed over to the successful contractor on 21 November 2008. Although the contractor managed to be on site with all the necessary equipment, he failed to comply with Occupation and Health Safety Regulations. The contractor is currently in the process of putting the necessary procedures and processes in place to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations and will commence with actual repairs by the middle of January 2009.

QUESTION 1945

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

In each of the past five years up to and including 1 November 2008, (a) how many houses has her department built in each province, (b) how many provincial departments of housing have underspent their budgets, (c) how many housing projects (i) are currently under way, (ii) were completed and (iii) were suspended and (d) what is the total cost of all (i) houses that her department has built and (ii) suspended housing projects?

REPLY

The National Department of Housing has delivered a total number of houses completed and in process of completion as follows:

(a)

(b) h

NNote: Housing delivery information for the month of October and November 2008 is in the process of being finalised.

(b)

Provinces	2004/05	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009
No. of PHDs with under-expenditure of more than 5%	4	3	3	3	Pending

(b) The number of housing projects:

(i) that are currently under way:

Province	Total
EC	127
FS	221
GP	676
KZ	182
LP	317
MP	371
NC	87
NW	170
WC	346
Total	2,467

(ii) that were completed:

Province	Total
EC	29
FS	111
GP	105
KZ	65
LP	66
MP	82
NC	59
NW	23
WC	162
Total	732

(iii) that were suspended:

There are no projects that the National Department of Housing is aware of that have been suspended.

(c) The total cost of:

(i) houses that the department has built:

R29,6 billion has been expended over the 5 year period to 01 November 2008.

Year	Total (R '000)
2004/05	R 4,481,638
2005/06	R 5,014,231
2006/07	R 6,495,433
2007/08	R 8,219,794
2008/09	R 5,462,632
Total	R 29,673,728

(ii) suspended housing projects:

Nil - There are no projects that the National Department of Housing is aware of that have been suspended.

QUESTION 1633

Dr R Rabinowitz to ask the Minister of Housing:

1. Whether a tender was issued for the supply of solar water geysers in the two projects in Alexandria (names furnished), if not, why not; if so, (a) which companies responded to the tender, (b) what were their tenders in each case, (c) to whom was the tender awarded (d) what was the cost (i) per item or per geyser and (ii) per geyser installed and (e) how many geysers were installed,

2. Whether there is an ongoing service component to the awarded contract; if not, why not, if so, what does it comprise;

3. Whether it includes the training of persons in the community; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

1. According to the Eastern Cape Department of Housing, as well as the Ndlambe Municipality, none of the housing projects in that municipality contain solar water geysers due to the fact that the housing subsidy does not provide for the installation of geysers in subsidized houses. A tender in this regard was therefore never issued.

2. Not applicable

3. Not applicable

QUESTION NO. 1070

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether any members of her department are currently suspended on full pay; if so, (a) how many, (b) at what rank level, (c) in which management areas and (d) for how long have they been on suspension

(2) what was the cost to her department of salaries paid to members suspended on full pay in respect of each of the past three financial years up to and including the 2007-08 financial year?

Reply

(1) No

(2) 2005/06 R0

2006/07 R385 554.47

2007/08 R630 875.79

QUESTION NO 961

Mr. A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether her department has conducted an energy audit to determine its (a) use of energy and (b) opportunities for reduction of energy use; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether her department has any plans to reduce energy consumption; if not, why not; if so, what plans;

(3) Whether her department has made any material reduction in energy use since 1 January 2008; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

(1) Yes; the department engaged the services of Electro Sense to undertake an energy audit during March 2008. The outcome of the Audit indicates that the department complies with the Department of Minerals Energy requirements as far as the fittings is concerned The report highlights that there is a need to switch off lights when not in use and that all magnetic and or cold start electronic ballasts must be retrofit to the more efficient warm electronic ballasts as well as changing inefficient incandescent lamps to compact fluorescent lamps and/ or lower wattage incandescent lamps, of which these amount to only 73 units as the other units are energy efficient.

(2) Yes. The department is implementing a plan which indicates time to switch off lights and which areas are to be lit up. Energy efficient bulbs and fittings have been fitted to the buildings. Further process of sourcing the lighting retrofit and sensor installation is currently underway.

(3) The department has made concerted efforts to comply with the energy efficiency measures as it has outlined above however, it is too soon to can proclaim a substantive reduction in energy usage.

QUESTION NO.: 742

Mr A.C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether there have been any instances where certificates of occupations, rather than the title deeds, have been used as the basis for the sale of low-cost houses; If so (a) what is the extent of this problem and (b) what action has been taken to address this problem;

(2) Whether any persons who had purchased a house under such circumstances have subsequently lost (a) the house and (b) the purchase amount; If not, what is the position in this regard; If so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)(a) No

(1)(b) Not applicable

(2)(a) Not applicable

(2)(b) Not applicable

QUESTION NO.: 749

Mr AC Steyn (DA) asks the Minister of Housing:

As the latest specified date for which information is available, whether, any action has been taken against developers for failure to deliver on their contracts; if not, why not, if so

(a) What action; and

(b) Against whom?

Reply

Yes

Action has been taken against developers as follows:

Limpopo Province

Legal actions have been taken against three developers who had not complied with the specifications.

Mpumalanga

The services of two contractors were terminated and taken over by a new contractor. Additional penalties were changed for missing items and quality problems.

QUESTION NUMBER 756

Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

Whether the position of Chief Operations Officer currently held by a certain person (name furnished) was advertised internally and externally; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was the position advertised, (b) in which newspapers, (c) what were the requirements and qualifications for the position; and (d) – (i) how many people were short-listed and (ii) what are their (aa) names and (bb) qualifications

REPLY

Yes

(a) Sunday, 21 October 2007

(b) Sunday Times, City Press and Rapport

(c) (i) Proven strategic management and planning abilities as well as

administrative and organisational skills; Experience in international co-operation and inter departmental relations; Ability to maintain sound interpersonal relations; Knowledge of administrative procedures applicable to the Public Service; In-depth knowledge of the housing environment, pertaining specifically to the development of housing legislation and policy; A clear understanding of the political, socio-economic environment and unwavering commitment to customer care; Proven skills in both written and verbal communication at a high level will be strong recommendations; Understanding of broader transformation issues; Knowledge of Government finances and the PFMA would be and advantage; Ability to work under pressure; Refine knowledge and understanding of inter-governmental relations.

(ii) An appropriate three-year Bachelor's degree/diploma or equivalent qualification plus proven relevant experience.

(d) (i) No applicants were short-listed for the post due to the fact that the incumbent of the post of Deputy Director-General: Delivery Support was transferred to the post of Chief of Operations.

Not applicable – see (d) (i)

(aa) Not applicable

(bb) Not applicable

QUESTION NO. 1104

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister of Housing:

1. Whether she will ensure that her department (a) monitors and (b) reduces its carbon footprint with immediate effect; if so, how will this be done;

2. Whether this will include the phasing out of glossy publications from all agencies or councils reporting to her; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

3. (a) what is the estimated costs of all such (i) reports (ii) publications per annum in the case of these agencies and all other documents of her department and (b) what kinds of (i) energy are being used in the offices of her department and (ii) energy saving measures are being implemented in these offices?

REPLY

The response below applies to the National Department of Housing and, the following Housing Institutions – National Home Builders Registration Council; National Housing Finance Corporation; Rural Housing Loan Fund; Servcon; NURCHA; Thubelisha and Social Housing Foundation.

(1a) The National Department of Housing currently monitors and evaluates the impact of National Housing Policies, Programmes and Projects. There are currently no specific mechanisms in place for the monitoring of the carbon footprint as pertains to the national Department of Housing and it's Housing Institutions.

(1b) In view of the growing importance of the issue of managing national carbon footprints globally, the Department will have to consider the role of the Monitoring & Evaluation unit in investigating the problem. This action will also lead to the need to consult with other relevant Departments such as the Departments of Environment Affairs and Tourism, as well as Minerals and Energy and others in order to develop collaborative strategies regarding carbon footprints.

Once this consultation and processes have been completed, my Department may be in a position to develop and provide all relevant entities with guidelines on how to conserve energy and promote a healthy environment.

2. The Department and the Housing Institutions that report to the Minister of Housing primarily produce non-glossy publications aimed at imparting information to all stakeholders in the housing sector. Among these are factual Z-fold pamphlets that inform beneficiaries of housing access criteria and existing housing programmes.

Currently the only glossy publications produced are Annual Reports/Reviews which are statutorily required for 'tabling' to Parliament (750 copies per entity and the Department).

As part of the investigation and development of a strategy to manage the issue of reducing the Departmental carbon footprint, the unit tasked with this function will be required to make recommendations on the development of environmentally friendly strategies in terms of energy audits at construction sites, recycling programmes and, production alternatives.

Currently the Department and some of the entities are already applying environmentally friendly strategies that contribute to the conservation of the environment. Among these are:

· the use of environmentally friendly paper for the production of Annual Reports;

· the reduction of the full copy print runs to meet the requirements for Parliamentary 'tabling' quotas and;

· extensive use of alternative methods such as DVD's and, the Website.

In addition to the Website smaller hard copy quantities of the summarised version of the report will be produced to cut down on the impact on the environment.

· availing in-house documents and reports in electronic format for employees to read on their Computers instead of printing hard copies.

(3a)

(i) Estimated costs for Annual Reports are R1 251 558.00

(ii) Estimated costs for Publications per annum are R765 000.00

The costs tabulated in these figures account for bulk multi-lingual (11 languages) printing of publications (and exceeds the six languages of the National Language Framework) aimed at reaching the primary target markets in their own mother tongue languages. This is especially the case with the national Department which also supplies Provinces and Municipalities with copies for on-going local distribution.

(3b)

(i) Energy used in the offices is electricity supplied by Eskom or the Local Municipalities within which organisations operate.

(iii) Energy saving measures implemented include:

· Electricity:

i. Switching off unused lights during the day as well as all lights at the end of the working day.

ii. Replacing conventional light bulbs with energy saving light bulbs.

iii. Switching off computers when not in use as well as removing screen savers from computer screens.

iv. Unplugging cellular phone chargers when not in use.

v. Connecting several officers to fewer printers.

vi. Severely limit the number of Colour printers available for staff use.

vii. Conversion of air conditioners to individual operation controls instead of being centrally operated.

viii.

· Paper:

i. Produce, distribute and store press cuttings electronically.

ii. Electronic editing/comments for Draft documents.

iii. Double sided printing.

iv. Re-cycle used paper via re-cycling bins and, printing drafts on used paper.

v. Electronic stock control, orders and receipt issuing;

vi. Electronic presentation and distribution of 'Presentations' at meetings;

vii. Printing of limited quantities of in-house Newsletters which are also accessible on the Website/Intranet;

viii. Limited bulk printing of official Stationary (eg. letterheads, fax sheets, invitations, cards etc.) – the template/master copies are available from the Intranet for individual downloading;

ix. All staff have access (at own Desk or Library) to the Intranet where they can access official documents to read or print if necessary.

x. Reduction of the number of publication subscriptions.

· Others:

i. Encourage staff to share cars when attending the same meetings;

ii. Promotion of teleconferencing to avoid travel to meetings.

While these energy saving measures are not exhaustive, the entities and the Department will continue to explore alternative methods for environmentally friendly ways of doing business and, develop campaigns to conscientise employees on the need to save energy at work and at home.

QUESTION NO.: 1145

Mr AC Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

Whether any function was organised to mark the occasion of the delivery of the minister's budget vote in 2008; If so,

a) What total amount was spent on this function,

b) From which budget was the money allocated

c) What amount was spent on

i. Food and refreshments

ii. Venue

iii. Entertainment

iv. Staff and

v. Transport

a) How many persons were invited to attend this function?

REPLY

Yes,

a) R0

b) ABSA Bank sponsored the event

c) Expenditure was as follows

i. Not applicable

ii. Not applicable

iii. Not applicable

iv. Not applicable

v. Not applicable

d) 200 guests, including the Honourable Steyn. And as a point of general information: a great deal of fun was had by all!

QUESTION NO.: 493

Mr I E Jenner (ID) to ask the Minister of Housing:

In respect of the 20061. Whether her Department or any institutions falling under her Department are currently experiencing any shortages in qualified personnel; if not what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the extent of the shortages in each category of specialized work, including in respect of qualified (i) project managers, (ii) electricians, (iii) architects, (iv) plumbers, (v) accountants and (iv) other skilled specialised workers and (b) what steps are being taken to rectify these shortages?

REPLY

A.

The budgeted cost, actual cost and unit cost in respect of the Statutory and other Entities reporting to the Department were as follows:

THUBELISHA HOMES

Thubelisha Homes is currently being wound down and shortages should be seen against this background.

B. SOCIAL HOUSING FOUNDATION (SHF)

The SHF is currently being wound down and shortages should be seen against this background.

C. SERVCON HOUSING SOLUTIONS

(a) Servcon Housing Solutions is not experiencing any shortages in skilled staff, since well created positions have been successfully filled

D. NATIONAL URBAN RECONSTRUCTION HOUSING AGENCY (NURCHA)

(a) Nurcha is not experiencing any shortages in skilled staff.

E. RUARAL HOUSING LOAN (RHLF)

(a) RHLF does not experience any staff shortages in qualified personnel. All the approved job positions of RHLF are filled in line with the capacities of the size of the institution as required.

F. NATIONAL HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION (NHFC)

(a) The NHFC does experience skills shortages, as follows:

· Institutional Level

The expansion of the NHFC's mandate has included restructuring of the Corporation's structure to align it with the changed mandate and direction. The restructured organization necessitated new competencies to ensure that the new demands of the mandate were fulfilled. This meant additional capabilities at institutional level, to ensure that institutional interventions such as skills audit, leadership capability assessment are undertaken. The NHFC engaged well equipped partners to assist in this regard. The result from both processes was an implementation of the recommendations which are currently underway.

· Individual Level

The changes, also meant that the Corporation needed to acquire new capabilities (human, process, and technology) in order to ensure delivery of its new mandate.

Priority to the resourcing of the Corporation was given to the internal candidates who were adequately skilled to fulfill the demands of the newly established roles. Where there was a need to go externally because of inadequate competencies, there was a deliberate effort to ensure mentoring of the internal resources through shadowing. This was deliberate in order to beef up the internal competencies and to preserve jobs.

The challenges are experienced in the recruitment of specialized financial skill e.g. Turnaround Specialist, Enterprise Wide Risk Management and Actuarial skills, which skills are requisite in the financial industry which NHFC is in. The NHFC has drafted a retention strategy which is aimed at ensuring that its mission critical employees are retained.

G. NATIONAL HOME BUILDERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL (NHBRC)

(a) NHBRC is experiencing staff shortages in respect of engineers as there is a general shortage of technical skills in South Africa in particular Engineering, Finance and scientific fields as espoused by our Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA's). NHBRC has lost some of its recruited engineers since the beginning of 2007/08 financial year to organizations that offer far higher salaries. Whilst some of the positions have been filled, the NHBRC presently has to fill vacant positions of Structural Engineers.

(b) The NHBRC is taking measures to recruit engineers from India, Cuba and to use the Presidential database in identifying engineers who can be recruited. NHBRC has introduced a programme of adopting schools by providing financial assistance to Grade 12 students and encouraging them to pursue engineering and IT fields.

Learnerships and internship programmes have been introduced within the NHBRC to increase capacity and to expose young South Africans to the environment. Bursaries are also given to matriculants who have attained excellent results and pursuing the field of engineering e.g. 17 students were offered bursaries and are studying at various institutions.

QUESTION NO.: 1769

Mr A C Steyn (DA) is to ask the Minister of Housing as follows:

Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials in her department (a) in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and(iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to30 September 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and(iv) what disciplinary action was taken?

REPLY

(a) Yes, there has been disciplinary action taken against certain officials in my department. The following disciplinary action was taken against the employees in 2005, 2006, and 2007 respectively.

(i) 2005

Instances	Position	Transgression	Disciplinary Action	Sanction
First Offender	Deputy Director	1.Nepotism 2. Contravention of the Code of Conduct of the Public Service 3. Wasteful and fruitless expenditure	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty of all the charges and sanction of Final Written Warning was awarded.

(ii) 2006

Instances	Position	Transgression	Disciplinary Action	Sanction
First Offender	Senior Secretary	 Insolence and Insubordination  Theft and / or unlawful removal and use of departmental property  Theft or dishonesty  Falsification of Records	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty of all the charges and sanction of Dismissal was awarded

(iii) 2007

Instances	Position	Transgression	Disciplinary Action	Sanction
First Offender	Secretary	Fraud	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty and sanction of dismissal was awarded.
First Offender	Senior Secretary	Breach of Administrative Process	Progressive discipline applied to the employee	Sanction of written warning was awarded

(b) During the period 01 January 2008 to 30 September 2008

Instances	Position	Transgression	Disciplinary Action	Sanction
Second Offender	Messenger/Driver	Theft	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty and sanction of demotion and Final Written Warning was awarded.
First Offender	Librarian	Theft	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty and sanction of demotion and Final Written Warning was awarded
First Offender	Senior Administrative Officer	Theft	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty and sanction of Final Written Warning was awarded. The employee was also referred to Employee Health and Wellness Programme for Counseling.