Questions & Replies: Human Settlements

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2013-11-13

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Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3172 [NW3730E]
3172. Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

With reference to her reply to question 2530 on 22 October 2013, what was the (a) scope and (b) outcome of each of the (i) three investigations into governance and (ii) four investigations into corruption? NW3730E

REPLY:

This Question has already been replied to.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3171 [NW3729E]

3171. Mr A Watson (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

With reference to her reply to question 2736 on 5 November 2013, (a) how many funded positions are there at the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), (b) which positions are currently vacant and (c) for how long has each position been vacant? NW3729E

REPLY:


Please refer to my previous reply.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3170 [NW3728E]


3170. Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

With reference to her reply to question 2735 on 5 November 2013, what is the (a) scope of the investigation into the allegations against the four employees who are under investigation and (b) status of each investigation? NW3728E

REPLY:


This questions has been replied to already.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3138[NW3696E]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 NOVEMBER 2013
3138. Mr TD Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) Whether her department received any funds for the Expanded Public Works Programme in the (a) 2010-1 1, (b) 201 1-12 and (c) 2012-13 financial years;

(2) Whether any of these funds were earmarked for (a) capital or (b) infrastructure related projects; if so, (i) what are the names of these projects, (ii) where are these projects situated, (iii) what is the value of each project and (iv) how many jobs have been created by each project?

(3) In each case, what process was followed to appoint projects (a) implementers and (b) consultants;

(4) In each case, where funds transferred to project implementers (a) in a lump sum or (b) through progress payment;

(5) Whether any projects have been impeded due to maladministration or corruption; if so, (a) which projects have been affected and (b) what action has been taken in each case? NW3696E


REPLY:

(1) No funds were received from the Expanded Public Works Programme in the (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-12 financial years.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable
(4) Not applicable
(5) Not applicable

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3067 (NW3622E)

3067. Mr K P Sithole (IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) What language policy is being followed by her department?

(2) Whether her department has a written language policy; if not, why not; if so, (a) which languages are being used and (b) what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether she will make a copy of such written language policy available to Mr. K P Sithole;

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

REPLY:

(1)
The department uses all eleven official languages in line with the Constitution of the Republic, 1996.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO (2923) 3474
Ms M.R. Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) How much has (a) her department and (b) each of the entities reporting to her spent on advertisements placed on the Africa News Network 7 (ANN7) news channel;

(2) Were these advertisements placed through the Government Information and Communications System?

Reply

(1)(a) None

(2) NA

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3015 [NW3565E]

3015. Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 2531 on 22 October 2013, (a) what is the sum total of the legal fees spent on resolving staff dismissals since 1 January 2008, (b) what amount was spent in the case of the (i) subsidy manager, (ii) general manager: intergovernmental relations, (iii) community liaison officer and (iv) personal assistant and (c) on what date was each case completed;

(2) (a) how many funded positions are at the Housing Development Agency (HDA), (b) which positions are currently vacant and (c) for how long has each position been vacant? NW3565E


REPLY:

(1) Refer to previous reply question 2531

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3169 [NW3727E]

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3014 [NW3564E]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 NOVEMBER 2013
3014. Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) With reference to her reply to question 2528 on 22 October 2013, (a) what is the sum total of the various legal fees spent on resolving staff dismissal disputes since 1 January 2008, (b) which positions resulted in the spending of such legal fees, (c) what amount was spent in each individual case and (d) on what date was each case completed;

(2) (a) how many funded positions are at the National Urban Reconstruction and Housing Agency (NURCHA), (b) which positions are currently vacant and (c) for how long has each position been vacant? NW3564E


REPLY:

(1) Refer to previous reply question 2528

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER : PQ 3013(NW3563E)
Mrs P Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) With reference to her reply to Question 2418 on 8 October 2013, (a)what is the sum total of the various legal fees on resolving staff disputes since 1 January 2008, (b) which positions resulted in the spending of these amounts, (c) what amount was spent in each individual case and (d) on which date was each case completed.

(2) (a)how many funded positions are there in the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) (b) which positions are currently vacant and (c)for how long has each position been vacant?

REPLY

(1) The legal fees vary.
(2) The legal fees were spent on various
(3) The vacancy rate of the NHBRC is still reasonable

Reply received:December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3012 [NW3562E]
3012. Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


With reference to her reply to question 2417 on 8 October 2013, (a) what is the scope of each of the four completed investigations and (b) what was the outcome of each investigation? NW3562E


REPLY:

(a) Investigations have been concluded

(b) The outcome of each investigations were as per Labour Relations Act

Reply received: December 2013
3169. Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

With reference to her reply to question 2526 on 22 October 2013, (a) what is the sum total of the various legal fees spent to date on resolving staff disputes since 1 January 2008, (b) which positions resulted in the spending of these various fees, (c) what is the amount spent in each case and (d) which cases are still on-going? NW3727E

REPLY:


This Question has been already replied to.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3011 [NW3561E]
3011. Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) With reference to her reply to question 2415 on 8 October 2013, (a) what is the sum total of the various legal fees spent on resolving staff dismissals since 1 January 2008, (b) which positions resulted in the spending of these amounts, (c) what amount was spent in each individual case and (d) on which date was each case completed;

(2) (a) how many funded positions are there at the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), (b) which positions are currently vacant and (c) for how long has each position been vacant? NW3561E

REPLY:

1) Refer to previous reply question 2415

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER:PQ 3010 [NW356OE
3010. Mr. S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) With reference to her reply to question 2246 on 7 October 2013, (a) how are the 2700 informal settlements dispersed throughout the provinces and (b) in which municipalities are the informal settlements situated?

(2) (a)What are the names of the settlements that are due to be upgraded before the end of 2014 and (b) in which municipalities are they situated?

(3) How many units of accommodation are to be upgraded during the period 1 November 2013 until 31 December 2014?

(4) What are the relevant details of the (a) control measures and (b) systematic process as mentioned in her reply?

REPLY:

1.a. How are the 2700 informal settlements dispersed throughout the provinces?

Informal Settlements are in nine Provinces. The Province with the highest population has the highest number and Northern Cape the lowest.

1.b. In which municipalities are the informal settlements situated?
In municipalities of the 9 Provinces.

2.a. What are the names of settlements that are due to be upgraded before the end of 2014 and (b) in which municipalities are they situated?

This question cannot be answered accurately since it is dependant on budgets and relevant approvals that are still to be granted to the Provinces.
(b) In municipalities across all Provinces

3. How many units of accommodation are to be upgraded during the period 1 November 2013 until 31 December 2014?

This question cannot be answered accurately since it is dependant on budgets and relevant approvals that are still to be granted to the Provinces.

4. What are the relevant details of the (a) control measures and (b) systematic process as mentioned in her reply?

Control measures have been implemented in accordance with the relevant Legislative and regulatory frameworks.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 3168 [NW3726E]


3168. Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

With reference to her reply to question 2414 on 8 October 2013, what was the (a) scope and (b) outcome of (i) the one investigation into governance and (ii) each of the two investigations into corruption? NW3726E

REPLY:


This Questions has already been replied to.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 2993 [NW3543E]

2993. Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 1913 on 13 September 2013, what costs has her department borne in renting vehicles for (a) her and the former Minister and (b) the Deputy Minister since 1 January 2012;

(2) how many kilometres has (a) she and the former Minister and (b) the Deputy Minister travelled in hired cars since 1 January 2012;

(3) why were the details of such cost and kilometres not provided in the reply to question 191 3? NW3543E

REPLY:

In terms of chapter 5(5.1), (5.2) and (5.4) of the Ministerial handbook (Handbook for members of the Executive and Presiding officers), Members may make use of incidental or rented vehicle when on official duty away from their respective seats of office. The cost of incidental/rented vehicles for official use is borne by the relevant department. Members are personally liable for the cost of rented vehicles for private purposes.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO PQ 2890 (3441)
Mrs. A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) How much has (a) her department and (b) each of the entities reporting to her spent on advertising (i) in The New Age newspaper and (ii) on its website between 1 December 2012 and 31 August 2013;

(2) Were these advertisements placed through the Government Communications and Information System?

Reply

None

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2801 (3306)
Dr. A. Loriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) What amount has (a) her department and (b) each entities reporting to her spent on advertisements placed on the SABC 24 hour news channel;

(2) Were these advertisements placed through the Government Communication and Information System?

Reply

(l)(a) The Department of Human Settlements and (b) all the entities reporting to the Department have not spent any amount on the advertisements on the SABC 24 Hours News Channel;

(2) Not applicable.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO PQ 2736 (3236)
Mr. S. Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) What amount has the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) spent on legal fees in resolving staff dismissal disputes since 1 January 2011;

(2) (a) which positions resulted in the spending of legal fees to resolve staff dismissal disputes since 1 January 2008, and (b) what was the (i) nature, (ii) cost and (iii) resolution of each dispute;

(3) What is the current vacancy rate at SHRA?

Reply

(1) There was no amount spent by SHRA on legal fees.
(2) none

(3) The matter regarding the vacancy rate is a new question and should be asked separately please.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO. PQ 2735 (3235)
MR S MOKGALAPA (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS:


(1) (a) How many investigations have been conducted into (i) governance and (ii) corruption at the Social Regulatory Authority (SHRA) since 2011, (b) how many (i) employees and (ii) board members were investigated and (c) what is the status of each investigation;

(2) (a) what is the scope of each allegation, (b) who investigated each allegation, (c) what is the cost of each investigation, (d) where were the funds for each investigation sourced and (e) did any disciplinary action result from each of these investigations;

(3) (a) how many (i) of these investigations were referred to the SA Police Service and (ii) cases are being prosecuted, (b) when was each specified case handed over, (c) what is the (i) status and (ii) docket number of each investigation?

Reply

(i) There are no investigations into corruption;
(b)(i)There are four employees under investigations;
(ii) There is no board member who was investigated;

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO: 2705(NW3207E)
Mrs MAA Njobe (Cope) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


What assessment has she or her Department made of the Finance linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP)due to the Banks shifting away from mortage loans to unsecured loans?

REPLY

The approved enhancements to the Programme entailed the following:

a) An increase in the maximum income limit to qualify for participation in the scheme from R7 000,00 to R15 000,00;
b) A property price capped of R300 000,00 has been introduced;
c) Households in the income group R3 501,00 to R7 000,00 who are unable to obtain mortgage finance, may opt to apply the allocation of a free serviced stand as their once off subsidy;
d) The maximum FLISP Subsidy amount was increased from R54 238,00 to R87 000,00;
e) The own contribution requirement has been waived;
f) To ensure the introduction and management of administration, processes and systems, the NHFC was mandated to conclude appropriate implementation agreements with the nine Provincial Human Settlement Departments to become the one stop centre for processing FLlSP applications, the disbursements of approved subsidies and the necessary liaison with the banks; and
g) The FLlSP subsidy must be used as a down payment thereby reducing the principal loan amount and rendering the monthly loan repayment installment affordable.
h) The FLlSP must be implemented on a project basis in the various provinces by the NHFC.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO: 2674(NW3061 E)

Mr KP Sithole (IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


1.(a ) How many disciplinary cases are outstanding in her Department and (b)what is the nature of each case.

2. (a) how long have these cases been on going and (b) when will most of them be concluded.

3. Whether the persons who are being charged have been suspended, if not, why not, if so, for how long will they be suspended;

4. Whether the specified persons are still receiving their salaries if so, what is the total cost of their salaries to the State?

REPLY

1.The Department of Human Settlements has three (3) disciplinary hearings outstanding in this financial year.

2.All the disciplinary hearing commenced during the month of August 2013. It is anticipated that the disciplinary hearing will be concluded at the end of this year (December 2013

3. (a) Yes, employees was placed on precautionary suspension with effect in 2013. The other two employees have been placed on precautionary suspension with effect June 2013.

4.(a) The employees are receiving their salaries.
(b) As per the Labour Relations Act.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2576 (NW 3062)
Mrs D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements :

How much has (a) her Department and (b)each of the entities reporting to her spent on promotional events organised by The New Age newspaper between 1 September 2012 and 30 August 2013?

REPLY

All expenditure for all newspaper articles are within the Budget

National Housing Finance Corporation

None

Rural Housing Fund

None

National Urban Reconstruction and Housing Agency:

Expenditure on all media are within Budgets

Housing Development Agency

None

Estate Agency Affairs Board

All media are within Budgets

Social Housing Regulatory Authority

All media are within Budgets

National Home Builders Registration Council

All media are within Budgets

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION 2531(NW3018E)
Mrs PC Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements


(1) What amount has the Housing Development Agency (HDA) spent on legal fees in resolving staff dismissal disputes since 1 January 201 0;

(2) (a) which positions resulted in the spending of money in legal fees to resolve staff dismissal disputes since 1 January 2008, (b) what was the nature of the dispute, (c) what was the cost of each dispute and (d) what was the verdict of each dispute;

(3) what is the current vacancy rate at the HDA?

REPLY

(1) The amount spent by the HDA on legal fees in resolving staff dismissal since 1 January 2010 is Within reason.

(2)(a) The following position resulted in the spending of legal fees to resolve staff dismissal namely; Subsidy Manager, General Manager: Inter Governmental Relations, Community Liaison Officer, Community Liaison Officer and Personal Assistant.

(b)(ii)Is a different Question and should be asked separately.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO: 2530(NW3017E)

Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


1. (a) How many investigations have been conducted into (i) governance and (ii) corruption at the HDA since 2010, (b) how many (i) employees and (ii) board members were investigated and (c) what is the status of each investigation;

2. (a) What is the scope of each allegation, (b) who investigated each allegation, (c ) what is the cost of each investigation, (d) Where were the funds for each investigation sourced and (e) What disciplinary action followed as a result of each investigation;

3. a) How many cases were handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS), (b) When was each specified case handed over to the SAPS, (c) What is the (i) status of the investigation, (ii) docket number of each investigation

REPLY

1 (a) (i) Three cases
(ii) Four
(b) (i) Fifteen employees
(ii) None
(c) All of the cases that were investigated have been concluded.

2. Some investigations are still pending.

3. (a) (i) None
(ii) None
(b) Not Applicable
(c) Not Applicable

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2529(NW3016E)
Mrs PC Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1)(a)What total amount has the Rural Housing Loan Fund (RHLF) spent on legal fees in resolving staff dismissal disputes sine 1 January 2008 and (b)which positions resulted in the spending of such legal fees;

(2)what was the (a)nature (b)cost and (c)verdict of each dispute;

(3)what is the current vacancy rate at the RHLF?

REPLY

(1)(a) R570.00
(b) Junior Risk Analyst

(2)(a) Constructive dismissal dispute.
(b) R570.00
(c) Matter still pending

(3) The are currently 3 vacant positions out of 15 posts and as such the current vacancy rate is at 20%.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO: 2528(NW3015E)

Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

1.(a) What total amount has the National Urban Reconstruction and Housing Agency (NURCHA) spent on legal fees in resolving staff dismissal disputes since 1 January 2008 and (b)which positions resulted in the spending of such legal fees;

2. What was the (a)nature (b)cost and (c)verdict of each dispute

3. What is the current vacancy rate at the NURCHA?

REPLY

1 (a) The amount spent by NURCHA on legal fees are within reason on various positions.


The current vacancy rate is at 32.7%

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION 2527 (NW3014E)
Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) (a) How many investigations have been conducted into (i)governance and (ii) allegation of corruption at the National Urban Reconstruction and Housing Agency (NURCHA) since 2008 (b) how many (i)employees and (ii)board members were investigated and (c)what is the status of each investigation;

(2) (a)what is the scope of each allegation (b) who investigated each allegation, (c)what is the cost of each investigation, (d)where were the funds for each investigation sourced and (e) did any disciplinary action result from each investigation sourced and 9e)did any disciplinary action result from each of these investigations;

(3) (a)how many of these investigations were referred to the SAPS (b)when was each specified case handed over (c) what is the (i)status of each investigation and 9iiOdocket number of each investigation and (d)how many cases are being prosecuted?

REPLY 2527

(1)(a)(i) There were no investigations into governance;
(ii) There was one allegation of corruption since 2008.
(b)(i) Only one employee was investigated;
(ii) There was no board member who was investigated.
(c) The investigation has been closed.

(2)(a) The scope of the allegation was conflict of interest,
(b) The investigations were conducted by Legal Firms
(d) The funds for investigations were sourced from the budget of the NURCHA;
(e) Yes, there was a disciplinary action as a result of these investigations.

(3)(a)None, no investigations were referred to the SAPS.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION 2526 (NW3013)

Mr S Mokgapala (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

(1) What amount has the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) spent on legal fees in resolving staff dismissal disputes since 1 January 2008;

(2) (a) which positions resulted in the spending of legal fees to resolve staff dismissal disputes since 1 January 2008 and (b) what (i) was the (aa) nature, (bb) cost and (cc) resolution of each dispute and (ii) is the current vacancy rate at the NHFC?

REPLY

The amount spent by NHFC on legal fees since 1 January 2008 is ongoing and within reason.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION 2503 (NW2675)

Mr KP Sithole (IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) Whether any mechanism have been put in place to ensure (a) a transfer of work skills and (b) mentorship training in her Department; if not; in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(2) What measures have been put in place to ensure that people with requisite skills do not leave her department for higher paying employment in the private sector?

REPLY Q.2503

The Department of Human Settlements has put in place mechanisms to ensure (a) a transfer of work skills and (b) mentorship training.

The following mechanisms are in place:

(a) Transfer of work skills

When appointing consultants through a bidding (tendering) process, provision for skills transfer is included in the Project's Terms of Reference.

(b) Mentorship training

Interns are appointed to various departmental units on an annual basis.

The mentorship programme is sufficiently integrated into internship programme. Mentoring became part of key performance areas of individuals.

3.2 Furthermore, the practice of counter offering is applied when a prospective candidate's remuneration package is more than the offer made by the Department, to ensure that people with requisite skills do not leave the department for higher paying employment in the private sector.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION 2502 (NW2674E)

Mr KP Sithole (IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1)(a)What is her Department doing to reduce (i)collusion and (ii)corruption in the awarding of tenders (b)how are prices monitored to ensure that contractors do not charge the department inflated prices for material and (c) how many officials have been (i)identified and (ii) removed from their posts as a result of collusion with contractors;

(2)Whether her department is taking steps to retrieve the funds from contractors involved in inflating their prices; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY 2502

The department has in place a Chief Directorate: Internal Audit, Risk Management and Special Investigations which is responsible for providing integrated assurance and advice on corporate governance practices.

Fraud Risk assessments are done and action plans have to be developed and implemented in respect of identified areas

An Internal Control unit has been established under the Chief Financial Officer which continuously reviews departmental processes and policies to establish the continued effectiveness of internal controls.

The department has in place approved policies which are reviewed annually.

The department runs an anti fraud and corruption programme which is intended to promote awareness and discourage its employees from engaging in fraudulent and corrupt practices.

Reply received: October 2013

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2499

Mr T Botha to ask the Minister of Human Settlements: (Cope)

Whether, with reference to the findings of the General Household Survey of 2012 which identified that 19% of households in the North West were likely to live in informal dwellings, she intends accelerating housing delivery in line with her Department's Outcome 8 targets and objectives; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

Yes, the North West Province forms part of the Outcome 8 objective to provide residents of informal settlements with access to upgraded basic services. The North West Provincial Department of Human Settlements has made significant progress in achieving the targets set for 2014 in terms of Outcome 8 of the Programme of Action. The Province managed to achieve 87,8% of the target set to provide households residing in informal settlements with access to basic services and secure tenure by the end of June 2013. In terms of rental accommodation 49,8% of the target for 2014 has been reached by 30 June 2013.


The largest concentration of informal dwellings1 shacks in North West is located in the Bojanala Municipal District where 19% (2011 Census) of households is staying in informal dwellings1 shacks not in backyards. The Bojanala District also has the highest population growth that can be attributed to the large number of migrant workers participating in the mining activities in this area. Government has identified mining towns as national priority amongst other things to address and also the need for housing in these areas. The Rustenburg Municipality within the Bojanala District is one of the focus areas and the National Department is currently providing technical assistance to the Municipality with the upgrading of informal settlements.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO: 2419
Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

1. (a) How many investigations have been conducted into (i) governance and (ii) corruption at the RHLF since 2008, (b) how many (i) employees and (ii) board members were investigated and (c) what is the status of each investigation;

2. (a) What is the scope of each allegation, (b) who investigated each allegation, (c ) what is the cost of each investigation, (d) Where were the funds for each investigation sourced and (e) What disciplinary action followed as a result of each investigation;

3. (a) How many cases were handed over to the South African Police Services, (b) When was each specified case handed over, (c) What is the status of the investigation, (d) What is the docket number of each investigation and (e) how many cases are being prosecuted?


REPLY
1 (a) (i) No investigations have been conducted into governance and corruption at RHLF since 1 January 2008, therefore all the subsequent questions are not applicable to RHLF.

Reply received: October 2013

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 2418(NW2903E)
Mrs PC Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


1.What amount has the NHBRC spent on legal fees in resolving staff disputes since 1 January 2008?

2.(a)Which positions resulted in the spending of legal fees to resolve staff dismissal disputes since January 2008 and (b)what (i)was the (aa)nature, (bb)cost and (cc)resolution of each dispute and (ii)is the current vacancy rate at the NHBRC?

3. What is the current vacancy rate at the NHBRC?

Reply

(1) The legal Fees vary.
(2) The legal Fees were spent on Various
(3) The vacancy rate of the NHBRC is reasonable

Reply received: October 2013

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 2417(NW2902E)
Mrs PC Duncan(DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


1.(a) How many investigations have been conducted into (i) governance and (ii) Corruption at the NHBRC since 2008, (b) how many (i)employees and (ii) Board Members were investigated and (c)what is the status of each investigation.

2,(a)What is the scope of each allegation, (b)who investigated each allegation (c)what is the cost of each investigation, (d) where were the funds for each investigation sourced and (e)what disciplinary action followed as a result of each investigation.

3.(a)How many cases were handed over to the SA Police Services, (b)When was each specified case handed over to SAPS (c) what is the (i)status of the investigation, (ii)what is the docket number of each investigation? and (e) how many cases are being prosecuted?

Reply

1 .(a)(i)Four cases
(ii)None
(b) (i) Three Employees
(ii) One Board Member

c) All of the cases that were investigated against the employees have been completed .

2. (a) The scope of the allegations related varies.

3.(a) None
(b) None
c) N/A
(d) N/A
(e) N/A

Reply received: December 2013

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 2370(NW2673E)

Mr KP Sithole, IFP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

1 .(a) What was the target number of houses that her Department was set to deliver in the 12/13 financial year?
(b)How many of those houses have been
(i)built and (ii)handed to the new owners?
c)(i)How many house across the Country still needed to be built?

2)Whether the outstanding number of houses has been incorporated in the housing targets for the for the 13/14 financial year, if not, why not/ if so what are the relevant details?

Reply

1) The target is on track.
(b) Approximately 111 000 houses were completed in the 12/13 financial year and intention for ownership has been handed to the beneficiaries.

2)Yes as a general principle the outstanding houses are incorporated in the housing target for the next financial year, its confirmed by most Provincial Departments.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION2368

Mr K P Sithole, MP(IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

What programmes does her Department have to help increase the number of entrepreneurial building contractors?

REPLY

Strategies used under IRDP is used for emerging building contractors to acquire building contracts within larger developments.

The training development in situ training local Community based building teams

Reply received: December 2013

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 241 5(NW2900E)
Mr S Mokgalapa(DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


1.What amount has the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) spent on legal fees in resolving staff dismissal disputes since January 2008;

2,(a)What positions resulted in the spending of legal fees to resolve staff dismissal disputes since 1 January 2008 and (b)what (i)was the (aa)nature, (bb)cost and (cc)resolution of each dispute and (ii)is the current vacancy rate at the EAAB?

Reply

1) The total amount spent on legal fees in resolving staff dismissal since 1 January 2008 is various.

2) The current vacancy rate for the EAAB is reasonable.

Reply received: December 2013

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 2414(NW2899E)
Mr S Mokgalapa(DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


1.(a) How many investigations have been conducted into (i) governance and (ii) Corruption at the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) since 2008, (b) how many (i)employees and (ii) Board Members were investigated and (c)what is the status of each investigation.

2,(a)What is the scope of each allegation, (b)who investigated each allegation (c)what is the cost of each investigation, (d) where were the funds for each investigation sourced and (e)what disciplinary action followed as a result of each investigation.

3.(a)How many cases were handed over to the SA Police Services, (b)When was each specified case handed over to SAPS (c) what is the (i)status of the investigation, (ii)what is the docket number of each investigation?

Reply

1 (a) (i) One Governance
(ii) Two Corruption
(iii)One Board Member

3)(a) Investigation referred to SAPS
(ii) N/A as case has been finalized and closed.

Reply received: December 2013

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
N0.2369
WRITTEN REPLY (NW2671 E)
QUESTION
Mr K P Sithole, MP(IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


Whether any progress has been made in (a)ensuring transformation in the workplace of her Department (b)increasing the auditing capacity of her Department ; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

The filling of vacant posts as per the organizational structure, takes into account department employment equity targets.

Yes, the Department funded all the unfunded vacant positions.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2288
Mr K P Sithole (IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


How many (a) persons have received subsidies in terms of the R14,6million Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) since inception in 2012 and (b) have made use of the Mortage Default lnsurance Programme?

REPLY

(a)Since April 2012, we have approved 330 applications by end of June 2013.

(b)The Mortage lnsurance Scheme are in the process of been finalized.

Reply received: September 2013

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 2261
WRITTEN REPLY
Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


Whether subsequent to the tragedy which occurred at Marikana on 16 August 2012, the Government had engaged Lonmin mines to remedy the dire conditions of living for miners at Wonderkop by jointly funding the building of free decent homes for miners to own in perpetuity; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

Yes, Government has engaged Lonmin with a view to addressing the plight of the mineworkers and communities around the Marikana area.

Arising from the engagements, Lonmin has undertaken to :

a. work with the Presidential Task Team (consisting of senior officials from the National Departments of Human Settlements, Mineral Resources and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the North West Provincial Department of Human Settlements and the Rustenburg Municipality to provide housing opportunities for its 16 000 employees;

b. extend the abovementioned initiative to other areas where Lonmin operates;

c. the initial area of focus will be the Lonmin-owned serviced stands in the Marikana area which will be contributed to a government-led partnership to develop rental units for its employees;

d. enter into an agreement with Rustenburg in respect of the Marikana 2-5 area, for the delivery of 3000 rental units where Lonmin will provide land to house their workers;

e. access land in the Marikana Wonderkop area for the people, who are associated with the mines and living in Nkaneng;

f. make home ownership available through its Home Ownership Scheme, at reduced prices to employees and the community on land that belongs to Lonmin, in Rustenburg.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NUMBER NO2246
MR. S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1)(a)How many informal settlements are there in each province, (b)what are their names and (c) in which municipalities are they situated;

(2)How many informal settlements (a) have been upgraded since the beginning of 2009 and (b)are scheduled to be upgraded before the end of 2014;

(3)Will her Department reach its target of upgrading 400 000 units of accommodation before the target date in 2014; if not why not;

(4)what percentage of the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) has been used for the upgrading of informal settlements since its inception;

(5)has the department put any measures In place to address the under spending of the (a) Human Settlements Development grant and (v) USDG by provinces and municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what measures?

REPLY

A total of 2700 informal settlements reported in the Country.

There is fair progress being made towards the 2014 target.

Control measures are through a systematic process.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2245

1. What is the current sanitation backlog in each province

2. Does her Department have an intervention plan to address the backlog in each province; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the plan?

Source: DWA WS-WIS

Province

Backlog (households)

Eastern Cape

248 196

Free State

241 819

Gauteng

425 347

KwaZulu Natal

317 595

Limpopo

442 026

Mpumalanga

294 623

Northern Cape

36 429

North West

191 215

Western Cape

80 962

TOTAL

2 278 212

2. The Department (NDHS) has joined a partnership arrangement with the Departments of Water Affairs (DWA), Cooperative Governance (DCoG) to identify municipalities which are experiencing severe difficulties in implementing sanitation delivery and to provide technical support to them through MlSA in order to accelerate delivery.

The National Department of Science and Technology is helping with alternative technology.

The intervention plans to address the sanitation backlog includes the following components:

Developing an implementation/action plan for eradicating the sanitation backlogs including:
i) Bucket sanitation
ii) Operation and Maintenance needs of malfunctioning infrastructure
iii) Extending services to households who have never been served and
iv) Addressing Wastewater Treatment Works that do not comply with approved norms and standards.

The plan commences in the current financial year 2013114 up to the end of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) in 2016.

We are optimistic that this intervention plan will have the desired effects and our poor people will be sewed with appropriate and sustainable sanitation services.

Reply received: September 2013

QUESTION 2237

Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

In respect of each province, what is the:

(a) current title deed registration backlog and

(b) average waiting time for beneficiaries wanting to have their title deeds registered?

REPLY

(a) The National Department of Human Settlements does not have up-to-date data and information on title deeds that have been registered within the jurisdiction of the nine provinces and their respective municipalities, and therefore only estimate of the current backlog based on available information can be made to respond to the question.

The estimate of the current title deed registration backlog is based on analysis that had been conducted in 2010. The analysis indicated then that nationally, 54.5% of approved beneficiaries registered on the Housing Subsidy System (HSS) had a title deed registered in their name. This figure excludes other beneficiaries that have been approved in terms of the Discount Benefit Scheme (currently around 346 922).

Based on the percentage of title deeds registered by 2010, the current (June 2013) estimated backlog in title deed registrations is reflected below. Based on the percentage of title deeds registered by 2010, the current (June 2013) estimated backlog in title deed registrations is reflected below. The calculations reflect the total beneficiaries of 2 590 489 in 2013, of which 2 288 876 are deemed to be eligible for the registration of title deeds.

Note: The estimates for rural provinces take into account the rural beneficiaries, using the share of tribal/trust and communal land in these provinces, with the assumption that no formal title deed will be registered in the name of individual beneficiaries in the tribal/trust areas on the Deeds Register

PROVINCE

TITLE DEED BACKLOG (ESTIMATED, NDHS)

%

Eastern Cape

100,435

32.8%

Free State

49,798

25.4%

Gauteng

220,279

38.8%

KwaZulu-Natal

206,540

54.3%

Limpopo

112,543

82.8%

Mpumalanga

61, 251

43.7%

Northern Cape

17,909

32.8%

North West

137,713

60.5%

Western Cape

95, 539

34.0%

TOTAL

1, 002, 007

43.8%


(b) The data required to determine the average waiting period for a beneficiary wanting to register a house is not readily available within the National Department of Humans Settlements. However, the waiting period will be influenced by the progress made with the relevant township development and establishment, and opening of the township register so that title registration can proceed. The waiting time will also be influenced by a range of factors, including the capacity and business processes being followed from one province and municipality, to the next.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO: 2175
2175: Mr. K P Sithole (IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


1. Whether any building contractors have been blacklisted for shoddy workmanship, non-delivery and incompetence in the building of RDP houses; if so, (a) how many and (b) what are the further relevant details;

2. (a) how many public servants have been arrested for alleged fraudulent activities relating to housing subsidies and (b) how many of these public servants have been removed from their positions as a result thereof;

3. (a) how much money has her department lost due to corruption in the 2012-13 financial year and (b) how much of that money has been recovered?

REPLY:

1) (a) Yes, there are contractors who were blacklisted by the Departments of Human Settlements, in Provinces (Provincial Departments) who would in turn notify the National Department and National Treasury.

(b) The National Department will request details of blacklisted contractors from the National Treasury and make that information available to Parliament.

2) (a) Approximately 2236 public servants were arrested/convicted for alleged fraudulent activities relating to housing subsidies.

(b) 1725 personnel files of public servants, who allegedly defrauded the housing subsidy system, were prepared and referred to provinces for disciplinary procedures in line with the prescribed labour relations processes. The National Department is awaiting progress report on these matters.

3) Investigations into housing contracts which include shoddy workmanship, amongst others, are multiyear projects and the determination of how much money was lost could only be made once the investigation is completed.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2174
Mr. K.P. Sithole (IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


1. What progress has been made by the Presidential infrastructure Coordinating Committee (PICC) and Ministerial Sanitation Task Team (MSTT) in solving the sanitation backlogs?

2. How many people have benefitted from the Rural Households Infrastructure Programme?

Reply.

1. The Department did a costing to address the "hotspots" sanitation challenges as identified by the MSTT. The Department of Human Settlements is collaborating with the Department of Water Affairs in developing a National Water and Sanitation Master Plan that will address both sanitation and water challenges as raised in the MSTT and DWA reports and beyond. An interdepartmental consultative process has been planned and a joint Plan of Action will be developed to address both the sanitation and water challenges as raised in the MSTT and DWA reports.

2. A total number of 233,016 people benefitted from the programme since its inception i.e. 01 April 2010 to 31 March 2013.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION 2133
Mr KJ Mileham (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1) Whether any staff member in her department (a) performed work in addition to the responsibilities related to his or her work, outside normal working hours, in the (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10, (iii) 2010-11, (iv) 2011-12 and (v) 2012-13 financial years and (b) has been performing such work during the period 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, how is it determined whether such work is being performed or not; if so, in each case, (aa) how many staff members and (bb) in what job or work categories are the specified staff members employed;

(2) Whether approval for such work was obtained in each case; if not, what are the relevant details; if so, (a) what is the policy of her department in this regard, (b) by whom are such applications considered and approved, (c) how many contraventions of this policy were brought to the attention of her department in the (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, and (iii) 2012-13 financial years and (d) what steps have been taken against transgressors?

Reply

(1) (a) No staff member of the Department of Human Settlements performed work in addition to the responsibilities related to his or her work, outside normal workings hours in the (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10, (iii) 2010-11, (iv) 2011-12 financial years, (v) approval was granted to one senior manager in the 2012-13 financial year.

(b) (aa) One (bb) SMS member of the Department of Human Settlements has been performing such work during the period 1 April 2013 to date.

(2) (a) The Department is currently in the process of developing a departmental policy to manage applications for remunerative work by employees outside of the Public Service.

(b) Applications to perform remunerative work outside the Public Service is considered and approved by duly authorized personnel, as authorized by the executing authority

(c) No contraventions of this policy were brought to the attention of the Department of Human Settlements in the (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13 financial years.

(d) No steps have been taken against transgressors,

Reply received: October 2013

MR. KP SITHOLE (IFP)to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether the Minister has found that there is sufficient oversight to ensure that the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) is utilised efficiently; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

The Provincial reviews with key focus on financial and non financial performance are sufficient for purposes of monitoring in line with the Housing Act (Act 107 of 1997) and constitutional provisions.

Reply received: September 2013

QUESTION NO. 2100
Mr. S.C. Motau (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


a) Does her department prepare quarterly statements?

b) Are the statements considered by the Audit Committee?

Reply

a) The Department prepares quarterly Interim Financial Statements.

b) The Interim Financial Statements are checked by Internal Audit and their report is presented to the Audit Committee.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NUMBER NO. 2083
MR. S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


(1)How many Finance-linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) applications have been (a)approved and (b)declined and (c)what are the reasons for declining each application.

(2)Whether her Department has put any measures in place to make FLISP more accessible; if not, why not; if so, what measures;

(3)whether her department has put any measures in place to prevent the illegal occupation of FLSlP housing projects, if not, why not, if so, what measures?

REPLY

1)Since the implementation April 2012, 330 applications have been approved by June 2013.

Those that were declined are for the following reasons:

1) Not first home owners
2) Salary exceeds the R15 000 maximum income limit.
3) Applications were incomplete; and
4) The Applicants have benefited from government subsidy scheme before.

2)To ensure that FLISP is accessible for all interested parties, application forms can now be obtained and submitted at the following locations:

1)The NHFC-FLISP call centre

2)Provincial Human Settlements Departments and their Regional Offices as well as at some Municipalities;

3)Developers participating in development for FLlSP beneficiaries, and

4)Estate Agents and Mortage Originators.

3)lt should be noted that the FLlSP subsidy is upfront approved and allocated to a specific beneficiary. The beneficiary is thus also the purchaser of the property and who received registered ownership thereof.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NUMBER NO 2082
Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:


Whether her department has a turnaround strategy to address the under-expenditure of the Urban Settlements Development Grant; if not, why not; if so, what strategy?

REPLY

1.The Department has developed and is implementing strategies to enhance expenditure patterns and delivery of the Urban Settlements Development Grant, including detailed analysis of performance assessment and procurement plans together with financial monitoring and oversight engagements. Ongoing support is also provided with our regular engagements, The Provision of the Division of Revenue Act 2 of 2013 are applied and complied with, and we work closely with National Treasury in this regard.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NUMBER NO 2081
Mr S Mokgalapa, MP (DA) asked the Minister of Human Settlements the following questions:

1. How many municipalities were accredited in the 2012-13 financial year for (a) level 1, (b) level 2 and (c) level 3

2. What criteria are used by her department to verify that municipalities have the necessary capacity to be accredited for (a) level 1, (b) level 2 and (c) level 3;

3. Whether her department has any measures in place to ensure that the allocated funds are spent according to the accreditation mandate; if so, what measures?

REPLY

1. During the 2012/13 financial year:


(a) 8 Municipalities were accredited at Level 1.
(b) 8 Metro's and 11 District Municipalities were accredited at Level 2 and
(c) No Municipality has been accredited at Level 3 thus far.

2. Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1997 (Act no. 107 of 1997) provides that a Municipality may apply to the relevant Member of an Executive Council responsible for Human Settlements of a Provincial Government for accreditation to administer one or more of the National Housing Programmes. If an application is approved, the municipality will assume the decision-making authority regarding project applications, the funding thereof as well as subsidy applications.

3. Level 3 Accreditation will however be converted to the full assignment of the relevant function in terms of the provisions of the Municipal Systems Act.

The financial accountability for funds transferred to municipalities will only transfer to those municipalities who are awarded Level 3 Accreditation.