Promise to complete stalled housing projects

Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Human Settlements Department is working to ensure the completion of blocked housing projects.

He made this announcement before the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements last week.

The department presented its R3.5 billion budget, which is linked to its annual performance plan, and the committee approved it.

Mr Duma said in an effort to ensure the completion of the construction of houses, the department has assisted the Umthonjaneni Local Municipality and King Cetshwayo District in its Thubalethu Housing Project in Melmoth.

“Our intervention involved setting aside R82 million for the installation of bulk infrastructure. These include the construction of a septic tank, installation of a sewer pump and the installation of a water reservoir above the project area,” Mr Duma said.

“The department has also ensured the connection of the sewer outflow from the septic tank to the sewer treatment plant on the old Thubalethu side of the project area. About 270 houses are being connected and will be ready for occupation by beneficiaries.”

The department is collaborating with all spheres of government to ensure that all new housing projects have social amenities. These include community halls, sports grounds, schools and clinics in order to improve the quality of life across communities.

“As we build homes, we are cognisant of the erratic weather patterns as a result of climate change. Where there are disasters, we continue to work with the Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, to speed up relief efforts through the national Emergency Housing Unit,” Mr Duma said.

He added that the department is using an emergency housing programme under Operation Sukuma Sakhe. This is to roll-out much needed human settlements for vulnerable members of society. The department is committed to work with the committee, Mr Duma said.

“We also want to use the opportunity to acknowledge and salute all female contractors who were awarded housing projects. We are impressed with their professionalism. It is quite encouraging that they construct decent houses on time and within budget,” the MEC said.