Questions & Replies: Human Settlements
2012-11-30
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Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO 1095
Mr ND Du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(l)(a) What are the (i) yearly rental and (ii) floor space of the (aa) current and (bb) previous premises occupied by his department's head office and (b) when (i) was the current building occupied and (ii) does the current lease expire;
(2) Whether his department publicly invited tenders prior to the leasing of the current premises; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) where was it published and (c) which (i) companies and (ii) properties were short listed;
(3) What (a) floor space was offered and (b) annual rental was tendered (i) by each short listed company and (ii) with regard to each short listed property?
REPLY
Please refer the parliamentary question to the department of public works as they are responsible for office accommodation.
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION 1051
Mr SMokgalapa, MP (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements the following question:
What were the findings of the municipal accreditation capacity and compliance assessment panel, (b) what are the (i) number and (ii) names of the prioritised municipalities and (c) how many municipalities still need to be assessed?
REPLY:
(a) The Capacity and Compliance Assessment Panel has concluded its assessment of 26 municipalities. Eight of these municipalities were found to be adequately capacitated and ready to assume level 2 accreditation responsibilities. These municipalities were issued with compliance certificates. Four of the relevant assessed municipalities were found to be ready for level 1 accreditation. The remaining 13 municipalities were found to be ready to assume both level 1 and 2 accreditation responsibilities.
(b) (i) In terms of the Presidential Delivery Agreement that followed the publication of the Outcome 8 Government priorities, 27 municipalities were identified for accreditation over the medium term.
(c) These 27 prioritised municipalities are:
1. The City of Johannesburg
2. The City of Tshwane
3. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
4. The Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality
5. The City of Cape Town
6. The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
7. The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
8. The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
9. Sol Plaatjies Local Municipality
10. The Umhlathuze Local Municipality
11. The Polokwane Local Municipality
12. The Rustenburg Local Municipality
13. Mbombela Local Municipality
14. The Khara Hais Local Municipality
15. The Emalahleni Local Municipality
16. The Siyanda District Municipality
17. The Emthanjeni Local Municipality
18. The John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality
19. The Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality
20. The Frances Baard District Municipality
21. The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality
22. The Govan Mbeki Local Municipality
23. The Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality
24. The Emnambithi Local Municipality
25. The Newcastle Local Municipality
26. The Kwa Dukuza Local Municipality; and
27. The Umsunduzi Local Municipality
(c) There are six municipalities that still need to be assessed by the Municipal Capacity and Compliance Assessment Panel.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO: 1044
Mrs M AA Njobe (Cope)to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
How many (a) emerging builders, (b) unemployed, (c) youth, (d) women and (e) persons with disabilities were trained by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) in each province in the (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10 and (iii) 2010-11 financial years?
REPLY
The proposed draft written reply of the Department to the parliamentary question is as follows:
See the table here: http://www.pmg.org.za/files/questions/RNW1044-120525.pdf
Reply received: July 2012
QUESTION NO: 1050
Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
Whether the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) has concluded its investigation of certain allegations against a certain person (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are further relevant details?
REPLY
Yes, the investigation has been finalised. The disciplinary action was also concluded. Mr Sipho Mashinini, the Chief Executive Officer was found guilty of three charges, two of which relates to financial misconduct. NHBRC council considered the matter and resolved to summarily dismiss the official on the strength of the charges on which he was found guilty.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION 1035
Mrs M AA Njobe (Cope) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
Whether he has found that the priorities of the provincial human settlements departments are in harmony with the priorities of his Department with regard to:
(a) Accelerated delivery of housing opportunities;
(b) Access to basic services and
(c) More efficient land utilisation;
REPLY
It is noted that the question relates directly to Government's Outcomes-based Approach and, in this regard, the Department of Human Settlements is charged with responding specifically to Outcome 8. The objective of Outcome 8 is to develop sustainable human settlements and improve the quality of household life, especially of poor households and families living in Informal Settlements by providing these households with access to quality accommodation, basic services, secure tenure and affordable mortgage finance.
In order to achieve the objective of accelerated delivery, the planning processes for the development of sustainable human settlements have been coordinated and aligned through the annual national and provincial business plans, focusing specifically on the objectives of Outcome 8 and the prioritised municipalities.
As at to 31 December 201 1, a total number of 101 885 households have been provided with access to an upgraded level of services. The preliminary figures to 31 March 2012 suggests that this number will be some 110 000households.
Further to the above, the National Department works closely with the Department of Cooperate Governance and other responsible Government Departments through for example, the Human Settlements and Basic Services Task Team, to ensure that the priorities in terms of the provision of basic services are coordinated and aligned in terms of the communities assisted. Progress in terms of this objective is reported under Outcome 9.
As far as the efficient utilisation of land is concerned, the Housing Development Agency was established with the specific objective to fast track the release of state land for human settlements development. In this regard, a total of 45 000 ha of land has initially been identified to date for possible release. Of this, a total of 17 000 ha has been assessed for suitability, of which I 066 ha has already been released to Municipalities, 9 716 ha is in an advance stages of release while? 329 ha of urban land have been requested from custodian Departments. In addition to the work done in respect of State land, the Department has also committed some R480 million for this financial year towards land acquisition.
In broad terms, therefore, there is significant alignment between the priorities of the National Department and those that have been set by Provincial Human Settlements Departments. Argument in support of this assertion is the following:
a. 42% of the Department's allocation has been committed to Outcome 8 priorities;
b. A further 27% of its allocation has been committed to other National Priorities such as Rectification, FLISP, Rural Housing, Disaster Relief, and Priority Projects.
Having presented all of the above, it is therefore the considered view that indeed the priorities set by Provinces are in harmony with those of the National Department of Human Settlements.
QUESTION NO: 976
Mr. S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
1 Whether his department has formulated any plans to popularise the Rural Housing Loan Fund; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2 How many (a) home owners have benefited from the fund and (b) applications have been (i) received and (ii) denied since the inception of the fund?
REPLY
Whether his department has formulated any plans to popularise the Rural Housing Loan Fund; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
I. Yes, Plans are in place to market Rural Housing Loan Fund (RHLF). RHLF is set up as a wholesale finance institution that provides funding facilities to retail intermediaries, who lends to individual borrowers within the RHLF mandate.
RHLF has been able over the years to meet its disbursements targets both in terms of cash disbursements and number of loans within the limit of its small financial resources. Therefore marketing has been appropriate in that we have not promised what we cannot deliver within our budgetary constraints. It is only when the economy experienced slowdown and suffered job losses that RHLF has not been able to meet its target in terms of number of loans-a result of shrinking market due to high unemployment and low affordability levels.,
2(a) The following Table depicts the number of loans that RHLF has disbursed since inception. The figure under year 2000 includes loans disbursed in prior years (note that RHLF was established in 1996). The number of loans have been categorised by loan usage with in the RHLF mandate as shown below:
http://www.pmg.org.za/files/questions/RNW976-120601.pdf
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION N0.973
Mr S. Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
Whether the Ministerial task team (details furnished), which he announced on 6 September 201 1, have reported to him; if not, what measures has he put in place to deal with the delay; if so, when will the findings be released?
REPLY
1. The Ministerial Sanitation Task Team which the Minister announced on 6 September 2011, headed by Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, has issued a preliminary report.
2. The findings will be released in the next few weeks
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO. 850
Mr. S Mokgalapa MP (DA) posed the following Question to the Minister of Human Settlements for written reply:
(1) What steps has he taken to improve the allocation of title deeds by transfer to beneficiaries?
(2) What is complicating the backlog further in this regard?
REPLY
The issuing of title deeds has in the past been affected by some of the following:
1.1 The township establishment process
1.2 Opening of townships registers
1.3 Non availability of some title deeds holders.
Provinces were requested to take correction measures and expedite the resolution of these cases and assist municipalities where required. The Deeds Office was approached and it has given assurances that in situations where all the required transfer instruction documents are correctly filed, transfer of ownership will be processed within acceptable timeframes.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO. 849
Mr. S Mokgalapa MP (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
What steps has he taken to promote alternative technologies?
REPLY
Government has already acknowledged the positive contribution alternative building technologies can make in pursuit of "housing the Nation",
In an attempt to generate momentum towards the application of alternative technologies, the Department with collaboration with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) has facilitated the creation of a show village in Soshanguve, where owners and inventors of alternative building technologies have demonstrated their products. This show village, known as the Eric Molobi Housing Innovation Hub is still open to the public and provides an opportunity to the public to assess the products and make informed decision on their housing investments.
In addition to the Innovation Hub, the Department also facilitated a two day exhibition Indaba on alternative building technologies in September 2010 in Sandton where product owners and inventors were once again provided with an opportunity to showcase their products. This event was also used as a marketing platform for alternative building solutions.
Government has also adjusted the Ministerial Norms and Standards in respect of Permanent Residential Dwellings to provide for the acceptance of alternative building technologies that have been certified by the Agrement Board of South Africa. The NHBRC has also accepted such alternative building solution if such has been certified as indicated.
Provincial Governments have been instructed to adjust their procurement strategies to ensure that alternative building technologies contractors are awarded an equitable opportunity to tender for housing construction contracts.
A very important dimension of the use of alternative building technologies is that the beneficiary community, who will benefit from the housing development project, must be consulted and they must agree on the application of such technologies for their houses. Although many housing projects have already benefited from alternative technology application, many people are still not convinced that these alternatives are viable options.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NUMBER 848
Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
Whether he intends to review the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Act; Act 19 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
The Department of Human Settlements is no longer responsible for the administration of PIE, as the said piece of legislation was transferred to the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. The Proclamation for the transfer was published on the 23rd April 2010 in the Government Gazette No. 33127. Copy of the Proclamation as published in the Government Gazette is attached hereto for ease of reference. The Honourable Member is requested to approach the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform with the question as posed.
The Honourable Member is requested to approach the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform with the question as posed.
PROCLAMATION
by the
President of the Republic of South Africa
No. 17, 2010
TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATION, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS ENTRUSTED BY LEGISLATION IN TERMS OF SECTION 97 OF THE CONSTITUTION
In terms of section 97 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, I hereby transfer the administration, powers and functions entrusted to the Minister of Human Settlements by the legislation mentioned in column 1 of the Schedule, including all amendments thereto, whether or not any of the legislation or amendments are in force to the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform to the extent indicated in column 1 of the Schedule with effect from the date of publication of this Proclamation in the Government Gazette.
Given under my Hand and the Seal of the Republic of South Africa at…Pretoria ... (place) this ... 31st …day of ...March…(month)…Two Thousand and Ten
SCHEDULE
| LEGISLATION | EXTENT OF TRANSFER |
| Prevention of Illegal Eviction From And Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, 1998 (Act No. 19 of 1998) All the provisions |
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO. 791
Mr. M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
Whether any officials from (a) his department and (b) any entities reporting to him were on an official visit to Bloemfontein in (i) December 2011 and (ii) January 2012; ifso, in each case, what (aa) is the (aaa) name and (bbb) position of the specified official, (bb) was the (aaa) purpose and (bbb) date of such visit and (cc) was the cost of (aaa) transport, (bbb) accommodation and (ccc) other expenses?
REPLY
None
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO. 573
Mr. S C Motau (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(1) Whether his department has an internal audit unit, if not, why not; if so, (a) how many staff members are employed in the unit and (b) what (i) is the structure and (ii) are the functions of the unit; (2) Whether the audit committee considers the internal reports; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether he holds meetings to discuss (a) the internal audit reports and (b) their findings with the audit unit; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (i) on what dates since 1 April 2010 has each specified meeting taken place and (ii) what are further relevant details?
REPLY
The Minister of Human Settlements, Hon TMG Sexwale responds to the question: (1) Yes. (a) Twenty one staff members(elevenpermanent staff, two contractors and eight interns) , (b) (i) See Annexure "C" (ii) See Annexure "C" (2) Yes. The following reports were considered: • Follow up on the Security Management Audit • Management of Claims Audit • Human Resource Management Audit• Grant Management - Urban Settlement Development Grant Audit • Records Management Audit • Contract Management Audit • Audit of Performance Information Audit (3) No. The Internal Audit Unit reports directly to the Accounting Officer as required by the Regulation 3.2.9 of the Treasury Regulations and any discussions on internal audit reports and findings will be with the Accounting Officer.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION 529
Mrs. M AA Njobe (Cope) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
Whether, with reference to his reply to Question 3124 on 8 November 2011, he intends to conduct an audit of unoccupied (a) Reconstruction and Development Programme houses and (b) breaking new ground houses in each Province; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
No, an audit of unoccupied subsidized houses is not planned at this point in time. The National Department has already conducted two intensive audits, the first in 2010 and the second in 2011. These two audits have revealed almost all places and projects that have empty houses, half built houses, abandoned houses, etc. The National Department of Human Settlements 7 has in collaboration with the Provincial Departments initiated various initiatives to ensure that Government subsidized housing units are occupied on completion, as well as those that stood empty is immediately occupied. New additional measures include, ensuring that human settlements projects are developed in well located areas where the greatest need exists, the blacklisting of contractors that delivered inferior quality of construction, an audit of poorly constructed houses with a view to rectification, guidelines to assist with the location of beneficiaries and mechanisms to fast track the connection of electricity.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO. 528
Ms. MA Njobe, MP (COPE) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
i) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2772 on 6October 2011 and question 3486 on 5 December 2011, he was informed that integrated Energy Environment Empowerment - Cost Optimisation (iEEECOTM) is tailor-made to (a) benefit the poor and (b) save lives that are lost due to runaway fires in informal settlements; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,
ii) Whether he intends partnering with the Department of Energy in expanding iEEECOTM regardless of who the initiator is; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
iii) Whether he will make a statement on the matter?
REPLY
i) The Department of Human Settlements is aware of the initiative and the advantages it has regarding energy efficient housing solutions. The Department has already instituted a range of environmental sustainable and energy efficient measures that apply to the products delivered through the National Housing Programmes. Further measures to enable compliance with the National Building Regulations regarding energy efficiency have been designed and are currently being costed to determine the financial implications thereof. These measures will greatly improve the quality of life for all housing subsidy beneficiaries.
ii) The Minister does not intend entering into a partnership with the Department of Energy in expanding the iEEECOTM, as he was not approached to be part of the initiative to date and the iEEECOTM is not the programme of the Department of Energy. The National Ministerial Norms and Standards that direct product design and development already include energy efficient measures and as indicated further enhancement are currently under consideration.
iii) The Minister does not intend making a statement in this regard.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO. 487
Mr. I 0 Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether he met with the internal audit committee in the (a) 201-2011 and (b) 2011-2012 financial years, if not, why not; if so, (i) on which dates did they meet and (ii) what are the further relevant details?
REPLY:
(a) The Minister did not meet with the Audit Committee during the financial years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
(b) There were no concerns raised by the Audit Committee which would have necessitated such a meeting as required in terms of Treasury Regulation 3.1.15. However, the Minister meets with the Auditor-General regularly who is in touch with the Internal Audit.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO 297
MRS M A A NJOBE (COPE) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
What percentage of households in each province (a) uses unhygienic sanitation facilities (b) does not have toilets and (c) uses open land as sanitation facility?
a) The sanitation backlog in South Africa is not categorised according to households without sanitation facilities and households using unhygienic toilets and open land defecation. All these households constitute the sanitation backlog. The sanitation backlog refers to households without access to basic sanitation services, which include any sanitation facility that does not comply with the definition of a basic sanitation facility, as well as households that do not have any sanitation facilities and/or use open defecation.
b) There are currently 128,652 households in the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces without access to basic sanitation services and this constitutes 5% of the overall sanitation backlog in the country. The table below depicts the number and percentage of households that have no access to basic sanitation services in Northern Cape and Western Cape. Information from other provinces will be submitted when it has been finalised.
Household Sanitation Backlog in Northern Cape and Western Cape
| Province | Households with no access to basic Sanitation - April 2011 | % Backlog |
| Northern Cape | 47,909 | 2% |
| Western Cape | 80,743 | 3% |
| TOTAL | 128,652 | 5% |
Source: Water Services National Information System (WS/NIS)
b) Question falls away.
c) Question falls away.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO. 296
Mrs. M. A. A. Njobe (Cope) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
Whether, with reference to his statement (details furnished), he intends to announce a cut-off date for providing free housing to the poor; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
The Department and State has a constitutional and electoral mandate and responsibility to ensure that all citizens more specifically the poor and vulnerable are provided with reasonable access to basic services and housing.
The Department will on a periodic basis review and where necessary amend the strategic and operational planning, funding and implementation of the programme, to ensure that the goals and outcomes as required of the state and government are achieved. It is within this context that the statement referred to must be read and understood.
The Minister nevertheless wishes to stress that with the economy performing not optimally, coupled by the approximately unemployment figure, the provision of free housing may be unsustainable within the given budgets.
The opposite is also true. An improved economy means more jobs and less dependency on the State.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO. 116
Mr D Feldman (COPE) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)· Whether his department will demolish all the Reconstruction and Development Programme houses which were identified by the housing investigation team as shoddily built in 2010; if 00t, what is the position in this regard, If so, what demolishing plans; (2) Whether there are any cost-saving measures attached to this process; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) employment opportunities and (b) relevant details in each case?
REPLY
(1) No. The Rectification Programme will be based on the NHBRC Audit report. Any repairs done must meet the 'unfit for habitation' or 'defective' as per the criteria set out in the report. (2) Yes.
(a) and (b). This programme will be implemented at provincial, regional and local level and job creation will form an integral part of all the activities.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO. 136
Ms L H Adams (COPE) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(1) How many state houses have been built by his department since 1994?
REPLY
(1) The Department of Human Settlements has built a total of 2,586,856 houses since 1994, up to 31January 2012.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION 123
Mr L B Gaehler (UDM) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(1) What amount of money did his Department allocate in the 201011 1 financial year for the construction of Reconstruction and Development Project (RDP) houses in (a) Joe Slovo, (b) Chris Hani, (c) Mandela Park, (d) Phola Park and (e) Ngangelizwe at King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape;
(2) whether a tender had been issued for the construction of the specified houses; if not, (a) why not and (b) what steps does he intend to take to rectify the situation; if so, (i) what amount has already been paid out to contractors, (ii) how many units have been completed by 14 February 2012 and (iii) what is the expected completion date?
REPLY
(1) According to the Eastern Cape Provincial human Settlements Department, no budget amount was approved in the 2010/11 financial year for the relevant area. The MEC for Human Settlements approved funding for the 201 1/12 financial year in terms of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements for the provision of interim services and the planning of 6 600 units at a total amount of R85 million. This will ensure that the communities are provided with basic services as a measure of relief until such time as the bulk services are constructed allowing formal development to take place.
(2) The Provincial Department indicated that no tender has been issued for the construction of the houses in the relevant projects as the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality as the developer is busy with the planning and provision of interim services. Approval for the construction of the top structures will be given once the upgrading of the bulk services such as the sewer treatment works, the water purification works and the bulk electricity, have been completed.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION 122
Ms B N Dambuza, MP (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
Whether his department has a comprehensive (a) policy and (b) strategy to (i) stabilise the housing market and (ii) stimulate job creation in the construction sector; if not, why not; if so, (aa) when was the policy and strategy adopted in each case, (bb) what are the (aaa) objectives, (bbb) implementation plan and (ccc) expected outcome in relation to Outcome 8 of the New Growth Path and (cc) what are the further relevant details?.
REPLY
(a) & (b)(i) Yes. My Department has developed a substantially revised Financed Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) and in collaboration with the National Housing Finance Corporation a new comprehensive Mortgage Default Insurance scheme (MDI).
(a) & (b)(ii) Job creation remains one of the key impact areas of the Government's National Housing Programme and all the subsidy programmes have been designed to ensure that it maximises job creation. The work opportunities created relate to direct work opportunities, such as on site construction project employment, indirect work opportunities which are created in the material manufacturing industry and in the related professional services sector as well as induced impact job opportunities which relate to consumer/household impact and pertain to the increased level of incomes that may be attained by employees who, as a result, would increase their demand for goods and services. It is confirmed that during the first three quarters of 2011, 76 227 direct, indirect as well as induced impact job opportunities were created through the National Housing Programmes.
(aa) The MDI development project commenced in 2010 and the FLlSP revision project commenced in 2008. The revised FLlSP was approved on 3 September 2011, while the MDI was considered and supported by Human Settlements: MINMEC on
(bb) (aaa) The objectives of the two interventions are as follows: The MDI will provide insurance cover to participating financial institutions against possible financial loss in cases of defaulting mortgage loans and foreclosure processes. The Government will thus buy the risk exposure of the participating financial institutions. This will create an environment conducive to lending in the so called "gap market" where households earn too much to qualify so Government housing subsidies but too little to afford mortgage loans.
The FLlSP represents a down payment assistance scheme for households earning R3 501 to R15 000 per month. The FLlSP subsidy will be used to reduce the principal loan amount to render the repayment of the loan balance affordable over the 20 year repayment period.
(bbb) My Department in collaboration with the NHFC and the other role players such as the nine provinces, financial institutions and developers is in the process of negotiation regarding the reservation of funding and identification of pilot projects through which the FLlSP can be launched. It is planned to launch both programmes with effect from 1 April 2012 and delivery targets are currently being determined. These will become available during March and April 2012.
(ccc) Both interventions have been included as subprogrammes of the Outcome 8 targets and will have a substantial positive impact on the Department's and the sector's ability to deliver on the mandates as prescribed by the Outcome 8 objectives.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO 121
Mrs. G M Borman (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(a) (i) How many of the existing toilets need to be upgraded in each province in (aa) 2012 and (bb) 2013 and (ii) what budget has been allocated for this programme in each case and (b)(i) what is the targeted number of toilets to be upgraded in each province and (ii) what budget has been allocated for this programme in each case for the (aa) 2012-13 and (bb) 2013-14 financial year?
REPLY
(a) (i) The current National Household Sanitation backlog is 2.4 million households as depicted in the table below.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO. 107
Mr D A Worth (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(1) What was the amount initially budgeted for the housing project that has been launched in May 2011 in Springfontein in the Kopanong Municipality, Free State;
(2) Whether his department has made any payments to the contractors up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
The National Department of Human Settlements does not approve projects, nor does it make payments to contractors. The parliamentary question has been referred to the Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements for a response, which will be submitted as soon as possible.