The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has raised serious concern over the continued development of human settlements projects that are not connected to bulk infrastructure, such as water and sanitation systems. The committee had this concern after it visited infrastructure projects in the North West Province, as part of its week-long programme across North West.
“It is inconceivable that projects are planned and implemented without comprehensive consideration of bulk infrastructure, which is central to providing quality human settlements,” said Nocks Seabi, Chairperson of the committee.
The committee visited project sites in Delaryville, Deelpan, and Mahikeng in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, where several challenges were identified.
In Delaryville Extension 8, the committee found that the housing project remains unconnected to bulk services, despite being completed in 2016. The committee called on the Tswaing Local Municipality to approach the Department of Water and Sanitation to access funding through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG).
The committee also visited Extension 7 in Delaryville, where a housing project remains incomplete. While the committee welcomed the department’s commitment to reprioritise funding to address blocked projects, it expressed concern over the state of the site. It instructed the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to expedite the structural integrity assessment to enable completion of the houses.
In Deelpan, the committee commended the swift response by the department following a disaster in the area, and the completion of the emergency housing project. However, it urged the department to urgently address structural defects raised by residents. The committee also praised the cooperation with the local traditional council, which provided the land for the project, and encouraged inclusion of bulk infrastructure in Phase 2, which would allow the decommissioning of current dry sanitation systems.
The committee reaffirmed the need for better coordination between the Department of Human Settlements, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and local municipalities to ensure integrated planning of housing projects with supporting infrastructure.
The committee will continue its oversight visit today in the Bojanala District Municipality, where it will inspect additional housing and infrastructure projects.
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