Questions & Replies: Human Settlements

The positive impact of the National Housing Needs register IS that enables provinces and municipalities to:

(a) Obtain a better understanding of the housing Demand and backlogs in their respective areas;

(b) Plan and budget better and deliver housing opportunities based on actual demands;

(c) Allocate houses through a single authentic, transparent and auditable process; and

(d) Minimise corruption and follow guidelines in the allocation of houses.

QUESTION 3124
Mr AM Figlan to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

With reference to his statement on 28 January 2010 that 10% of his department's budget of R1,3 billion had been set aside for the rectification of poorly built and unfinished houses, (a) how much of this budget has been spent on rectification to date,(b) what was the total cost of the specified demolition and rebuilding, (c ) how many houses have been rectified in each province and (d) how many houses have been demolished and rebuilt in each province?

REPLY

Two provinces i.e. Eastern Cape and Northern Cape responded to the question sent through e-mail to all provinces.

Eastern Cape Province

(a) R76,254 million was spent on rectification

Northern Cape Province

(a) R6,854,351,26 spent on rectification.

(b) R5,747,944,26 total cost of the demolition and rebuilding.

(c) 129 houses rectified

(d) 69 houses demolished and rebuilt.

The information in respect of eight provinces at the National Department disposal is as follows:


A)Table 1 : Units Rectified as at 30 September 2010

B) Table 2: Spending on Rectification as at 30 September 201 0

The information from Management lnformation Services Directorate on Rectification from 1 April 2005 to 30 October 201 0 is as follows:

C)Table 3: Information from Management lnformation System: Rectification Programme from 1 April 2005 to 30 October 201 0

QUESTION NO. 3089

Question

Mr. D.A Kganare, MP (COPE) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

i) Whether his department has developed any policies regarding a) cohousing and b) eco-housing; if so, what are the relevant details;, if not,

ii) Whether his department intends developing such policies; if not, why not if so, what are the relevant details?

Answer

Yes" the current Social Housing Programme provides access to government grant funding for housing development projects to be undertaken by housing cooperatives for the benefits of their members.

In addition, the Social Housing Programme provides institutional establishment assistance, funding for capacitation of the cooperative as well as start-up funding to facilitate initial business operations. To access these assistance measures and the capital grant funding, housing cooperatives must apply for accreditation with the Social Housing Regulating Authority.

With regards to the development of eco-housing, the current Ministerial National Norms and Standards in respect of Permanent Residential Developments, that regulates the technical specifications, design and materials to be used in housing developments, have been adjusted to ensure flexibility to accommodate alternative building technology such as eco-housing options. A range of environmental efficient measures in the design of houses has already been included in the National Housing Code. These measures not only relate to design aspects of the houses but include water saving technology, water harvesting options and thermal considerations to ensure energy efficiency.

In addition, my Department has, in collaboration with the Department of Energy and the National Home Builders Registration Council investigated energy efficient measures that will further enhance the thermal performance of the subsidy financed houses to minimise energy use for heating and cooling of the dwellings. These measures have recently been published for public comment.

Question 2876

Ms A Mda (COPE) posed the following Question to the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his department has any plans in place to fast track the delivery of housing to the destitute in remote areas; if not why not; if so, (a) what plans and (b) how will the success of these plans be ensured?

REPLY

Provincial Government's growth and development strategies and more specifically rural municipalities and small towns Integrated Development Plans contains information on housing development for the destitute in remote areas.

It is important to note that with approval of outcome 8 and reviews of strategic plans, the Department with all the Provinces using different grants over the Medium Term Strategic Framework, will be delivering on Human Settlements and its core objectives.

In line with Macro Strategic focus, Provinces determine areas of need where the State investment would yield more benefits. These take into consideration planning and co-operation with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Synergy in Strategic Focus finds better expression in pre­determined nodal points and consideration of rural development strategy.

Question 2757

Ms D Carter, MP (Cope) to asked the Minister of Human Settlements:

What measures were put in place by his department to prevent a recurrence of fires in informal settlements?

Reply

The prevention of fires and the removal of potentially hazardous fire conditions are the responsibility of the Municipalities.

QUESTION NO.2698

Advocate A de W Alberts (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Human of Settlements on:

(1) Whether his department made use of consultants since 2004-2005 financial year; if so,

a) how many

(i) consultants and

(ii) consultancies were used in each financial year,

b) what were their names in each case,

c) what amounts were paid in each financial year to each,

(i) consultant,

(ii) consultancy and

d) who are the directors of the various consultancies that his department has made use of since the 2004-05 financial year;

(2) Whether any of these consultants and consultancies

were formerly in the employ of his department; if so,

(a)Who are these persons,

(b )Why did they leave the employ of his department

and

(c)What is the total amount that was paid to each of these consultants?

REPLY

The department of Human Settlements, as proclaimed in June 2009, made use of the attached list of consultants.

Even the attached list of consultants, is subject to continuing verification.

QUESTION: 2610

Eradicating informal settlements by 2014

2610. Mr K P Sithole (IFP) asked the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his department will achieve its goal of eradicating informal settlements by 2014; if not, why not; if so, what is the total number of informal settlements that (a) have been converted to formal settlements and (b) have to be converted to formal settlements? NW3135E

The Minister of Human Settlements:

Yes, my Department has a plan aimed at improving the lives of people in the 2700 informal settlements throughout the country. Currently, informal settlements are receiving national priority attention. The Comprehensive Plan (2004) in conjunction with the Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme which is supplemented by the National Upgrading Support Programme (NUSP) provide for a more responsive state assisted approach to respond positively and proactively to the upgrading of informal settlements.

NUSP is a component of the delivery agreement concluded between the Presidency and my Department with the aim of improving the practice of informal settlement upgrading in South Africa. The main objective of the NUSP is to connect practitioners to best experience, knowledge and technical resources to strengthen their activities in the field of upgrading of informal settlements throughout the country. My Department is now in the process of rolling out this support programme countrywide.

I have therefore signed a delivery agreement with the President through which I am committed to provide secure tenure and basic services to at least 400 000 households residing in informal settlements by 2014. The details of this commitment, in terms of specific projects, the number of households in each project, etc are currently being refined in collaboration with Provinces and the Presidency.

QUESTION 2605
Mr R S Bhoola to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether he intends taking any steps to assist municipalities that do not have housing development agencies and consultants with the necessary qualifications and expertise to facilitate the transfer of sectional titles; if not, why not; if so, what steps?"

Reply

The Department has a capacity building Programme dedicated to assist Municipalities to be viably administered, in the development of human settlements. This is complemented by the Municipal accreditation process.

The management, administration and transfer of sectional titles is managed separately through the relevant authorities and applicable legislation.

QUESTION 2549

Ms D Carter (COPE) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

(1 ) Whether any recently built State-sponsored houses had to be demolished because they were deemed unfit for human habitation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so (a) how many houses had to be demolished and rebuilt; (b) where are they located and (c) what was the loss to the State;

(2) Whether any steps have been taken against those who were responsible for this state of affairs; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps?

REPLY

The total number of houses demolished due to structural defects is 368 and 131 380 were rectified.

The SIU investigated the top 20 doggy contractors with a total value of R2 billion. Investigations per Province under SIU are at different stages.

QUESTION 2535
Mrs G M Borman (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his department has completed the audit of houses with structural defects; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

Based on an. audit conducted by the respective Provincial Departments, structural defects were identified and were rectified in the Northern Cape Province, while it is in various stages of completion in other Provinces.

In addition to the above, the Provincial Human Settlements Departments are planning to demolish, rebuild and rectify a total of 53 170 units in the remainder of the current financial year and subsequent financial years. Details thereof are set out in the table below:

Question: 2538

Mr R B Bhoola to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) Why are family members of deceased beneficiaries of council rental housing Who, in some instances, have lived in these properties for over 21 years, evicted from these properties after the beneficiary dies;

(2) Whether he has any policy in place to deal with such instances; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

The rights to occupy a dwelling, obtained through a legal rental contract, are not transferable to the estate of a deceased tenant and therefore are also not transferable to the descendants of a deceased tenant. The relationship between the tenant and the owner is regulated by provisions of the rental agreement and provisions of the common law.

National policy is not required in this regard. This does not take away a preferential option for descendents of the deceased tenants to rent.

QUESTION NO.2537

QUESTION PAPER 13/9/2010

QUESTION

Mrs G M Borman (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether the newly-appointed Director-General of his Department has signed a performance agreement; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

A performance agreement was signed between the Minister and the Director-General on 2 August 2010 for the period ending March 2011.

The Director General will be responsible for inter alia, the provision of strategic leadership to the overall management of the Department.

Provide leadership on the formulation of Human Settlements policies and programme delivery as captured in outcome 8.

His performance agreement is aligned to key performance targets in line with the Strategic Plan and Performance Agreement entered into and between the Minister and the President.

QUESTION 2536

Mrs G M Borman to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether the Minister has a plan aimed at improving the lives of people living in the 2700 informal settlements throughout the country; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

The Department has a plan aimed at improving the lives of people living in the 2700 informal settlements throughout the country. Currently, informal settlements are receiving national priority attention. The Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme which is supplemented by the National Upgrading Support Programme (NUSP) provide for a more responsive state assisted approach to respond proactively to the upgrading of informal settlements. These plans have found expression in the different municipal integrated development plans. The Department is now in the process of rolling out this support programme country wide.

I have therefore signed a delivery agreement with the President through which I am committed to provide secure tenure and basic services to at least 400 000 households residing in informal settlements by 2014. The details of this commitment, in terms of specific projects, the number of households in each project etc are currently being refinedihco1laboration with Provinces and the Presidency. We also continue to seek new ways of effecting upgrading of informal settlements.

QUESTION 2535

Mrs G M Borman (AN C) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his department has completed the audit of houses with structural defects; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

Based on an audit conducted by the respective Provincial Departments, structural defects were identified and were rectified in the Northern Cape Province, while it is in various stages of completion in other Provinces.

In addition to the above, the Provincial Human Settlements Departments are planning to demolish, rebuild and rectify a total of 53170 units in the remainder of the current financial year and subsequent financial years. Details thereof are set out in the table below:

QUESTION NO. 2516
QUESTION
Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) How many (a) houses were built each year since 1994 in terms of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), (b) of those houses were allocated to (i) black, (it) Indian, (jji) coloured and (iv) white people and (c) of those houses are currently (aa) owned and (bb) occupied by (i) black, (ii) Indian, (Hi) coloured and (iv)white people?

REPLY

(1) (a) Based on historical information collated and maintained by the National Department of Human Settlements, the following delivery statistics on houses built for the period April 1994 to 31 March 2010 is available:

TABLE t: ANNUAL NUMBER OF HOUSES BUILT: 1 APRIL 1994 TO 31 MARCH 2010

QUESTION 2505

Mr R B Shoola to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether he intends taking any steps to assist municipalities that do not have housing development agencies and consultants with the necessary qualifications and expertise to facilitate the transfer of sectional titles; if not, why not; if so, what steps?"

Reply

The Department has a capacity building Programme dedicated to assist Municipalities to be viably administered, in the development of human settlements. This is complemented by the Municipal accreditation process.

The management, administration and transfer of sectional titles is managed separately through the relevant authorities and applicable legislation.

Question 2503

Mr R S Bhoola (MF) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether municipalities must finalize their housing database application list for it to be captured on the National database, if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why?

REPLY

All housing needs will be recorded on the established National Housing Needs Register This register provides for the registration of all the housing needs per Province and will be available at the Municipal and Provincial level to assist households that require housing assistance.

QUESTION NO: 2404

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

Whether (a) his department or (b) any of its entities has signed any contractual agreements with General Nyanda Security Advisory (GNS) or any of it§) affiliates (i) in the (aa) 2006-07, (bb) 2007-08, (cc) 2008 - 09 and (dd) 2009 - 10 financial years and (ii) during the, period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aaaa) what is the nature of each contract, (bbb) what is the monetary value of each contract, (ccc) what .is the (aaaa) start and (bbbb) end date of each contract, (ddd) what are. the details of the process that was followed for the signing of each contract, (eee) Who ,else tendered for each contract that was awarded and (fff) what amount did each tenderer quote in each case?

ANSWER

The Department and its entities have not entered into any contractual agreements with General Nyanda Security Advisory (GNS) or any of its affiliates (i) in the (aa) 2006-07, (bb) 2007-08., (cc) 2008-09and (dd) 2009-10 financial years or (ii) during the period 1 April 2.01.0 up to the present

QUESTION: 2143

Whether his department, following on the statement by the President that white settlements have a right to equal treatment, will also provide white informal settlements with financial aid (a) by way of the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) and (b) in any other way; if not, why not; if so, (i) in what manner will assistance be provided in each case and eu) what procedure are the residents of the settlements to follow in order to gain access to such assistance?

REPLY

The race and gender composition of informal settlements inhabitants do not play any role in determining the informal settlement redevelopment priorities. Funding is allocated through the annual vote towards the implementation of the National Housing Programmes. Communities are advised to contact their municipalities and ward councillors to ascertain redevelopment planning details for various settlements.

The funding that is available from the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) is not utilised for the upgrading of informal settlements. However, once a settlement has been formalised and upgraded, the NHFC might extend its retail funding assistance for specific housing development initiatives such as social housing rental projects, etc.

QUESTION NO.1886

Mrs G M Borman, ANC to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his Department is staffed to deliver on the 2030 vision as outlined in his Budget Vote on 21/4/2010; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

The Department is currently embarking on a turnaround strategy that will define the staffing requirements to address requirements for the vision 2030.

QUESTIONS NO 1885

Mrs G M Borman (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether he has any plans to build affordable housing stock; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

DRAFT REPLY

The Department has plans to build affordable rental stock and to accelerate delivery of such units in line with the Government's Out-Comes Based approach, Outcome 8 of accelerating delivery of 80 000 units of affordable rental stock by 2014.

The number of units will be spread across Provinces and depending on the demand for this type of accommodation which varies from Province to Province and with budget allocation annually. A service delivery agreement will be signed with Provinces for delivery of the above-mentioned number of units. These units will be delivered mainly through the two primary programmes (Social Housing and Community Residential Units Programme). The programmes will provide rental accommodation to persons earning less than R7500 per month who cannot access rental accommodation provided by the private market.

The Department will seek every possible means to involve and stimulate the appetite of an the delivery agents in the rental housing sector especially the private sector

Question 1884

Mrs G M Borman, MP (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether he has provided a role for co-operatives in the development of human ,settlements;, if not, why not; if so, what are the -relevant details?

REPLY

Yes, the National Housing .Programme already provides for an intervention to harness the housing delivery capacity of housing institutions such as social housing companies and housing cooperatives. The Social Housing Programme provides that housing co-operatives may apply for capital funding to undertake housing developments for their members in specific locations through out the Country. These locations are referred to as "Restructuring Zones" and are demarcated by municipalities. Where housing cooperatives wish to develop housing opportunities for their members outside of the said Restructuring Zones, they may access the housing subsidy funding available under the Institutional Housing Subsidy programme.

To ensure viable and sustainable housing institutions and housing cooperatives and to facilitate the establishment of new institutions, the Social Housing Programme also provides for establishment assistance, capacitation as well as some start-up funding to facilitate initial business operations. To access these assistance measures and the capital grant funding, the Programme prescribes that all housing institutions must be accredited with the Social Housing Regulating Authority.

QUESTION 1865

QUESTION PAPER 4/6/2010

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

(1)What are the costs involved in the rectification process in the housing projects of (a) Tarkastad, (b) Cala (c)Sweetwaters in the Eastern Cape;

(2) whether the contractors responsible for constructing the houses in these housing projects have been investigated; if not, why not, if so, what progress has been made in the investigations?

REPLY

(1) (a) Tarkastad 1000 and Tarkastad 671 before the costs can

be determined.

(b) Cala 301 rectification is underway and the cost is

estimated at R12 040 000.00

(c) Sweetwaters, the rectification process has not yet

commenced. The assessment and costing of the rectification needs to be finalised where after a contractor will be appointed by the Buffalo City Municipality to undertake the rectification work.

(2) The Provincial Department of Human Settlements is in the

process to determine whether the contractors appointed for

Tarkastad 1000 and Tarkastad 671 need to be investigated.

(a) Cala 301, investigation in progress led by the Provincial Department's Anti Corruption Section

(b) On Sweetwaters, Investigation in progress led by the Municipality's Legal Section.

QUESTION 1802

1802. Prof. B Turok (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) Whether his department has abandoned the informal settlement upgrading policy of 2004; if not ,what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) how much funding was allocated to the Hill view Housing Project and (b) when will the funding become available?

REPLY

(1) No, The Policy is contained in the National Housing Code as a Housing Programme approved in terms of the Housing Act. Government has also confirmed its commitment towards the upgrading of informal settlements by including this in Outcome 8 of the Outcome Based Approach approved by Cabinet.

(2a) An amount of R 4 million has been allocated for the planning and design of formal .services On the three sites making up the Hillview project in the current financial year. The formal planning and design, process will proceed once consultation with the City of Cape Town for the release of the land has been completed.

(2b) The R4 million in funding is currently available for the planning and design work. An estimated R 121 million for subsidies for some 1424 beneficiaries (for the construction of services and top structures) will be funded from the Integrated Housing and Human Settlement Grant in future financial years.

QUESTION NO. 1866
QUESTION
Mr A M Figlan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

What were the annual housing backlog figures in each province in the (a) 1994-95, (b) 1995-1996, (c) 1996- 97, (d) 1997-98, (e) 1998-99, (f) 1999-2000, (g) 2000- 2001, (h) 2001-2002, (i) 2002-2003, (j) 2003-2004, (k) 2004-2005, (1) 2005-2006, (m) 2006-2007, (n) 2007- 2008 and (0) 2008-2009 financial years? NW2159E

REPLY:

The annual housing backlog figures (Estimates of the Need for Adequate housing), per province since 1994195, where the information is available is as follows:

The table is here: Table

QUESTION NO 2692

What percentage of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses built since 1994 are occupied by its intended beneficiaries?

REPLY

Based on a random sample consisting of ten percent of housing units completed between 1994 and 2008, of the approved beneficiaries since 1994, 34% are still occupying houses allocated to them in terms of the Housing Subsidy Scheme.

QUESTION NO. 2655

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

Whether his department has investigated the use of new housing modalities as an alternative to the modalities that are utilised currently; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details'?

Reply

The department continues to investigate the use of alternative building technology in the, construction of state subsidised housing. A policy decision will be made once investigations are completed. On 29 and 30 September 2010 the department hosted alternative building technology conference as a first line of investigation in the existence of companies offering such.

Based on the successful two day International Indaba, on alternative technologies, further policy decisions are imminent.