The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has called for a complete turnaround strategy from the province’s Department of Human Settlements (DHS).
This after a provincial Human Settlements portfolio committee meeting, held last month, which exposed a dire need for the department to revitalise its operations in order to improve living conditions within many KZN communities.
The DA has called for a stronger focus on good governance, service delivery, financial management and community engagement. The strategy also needs to address systemic challenges, streamlines processes and ensures sustainable, inclusive development within the sector.
With a staggering 46 housing projects currently stalled in KZN, the DA has further recommended a greater focus on effective departmental oversight.
Where municipalities have failed to deliver in terms of appointing reliable contractors and management – which is the case with these projects – the DHS needs to stop passing the buck and be accountable and proactive. In the event that municipalities are unable to deliver, they cannot be permitted to manage further housing projects.
The following also remain of concern to the DA;
• No plan of action to deal with KZN’s 2022 flood victims who are still not properly housed
• No clear process for residents to apply for housing and no transparent and easily accessible waiting list
• No plan of action to deal with title deed backlogs
• No plan of action to deal with corruption and maladministration at all government levels within the housing department
• No plan of action to deal with errant contractors and;
• No plan of action to deal with maintenance of RDP housing and all other housing developments under the DHS.
The time has come for KZN’s DHS to develop a strategy which allows every citizen access to quality, affordable housing and essential services. It is critical that sustainable, vibrant, and well-managed communities are developed in order to contribute to our province’s broader economic and social development goals. This can only be achieved through effective leadership, improved governance, and enhanced community participation.
The DA invites members of the public to provide input on housing-related recommendations, which will be raised at portfolio committee level. Comments and suggestions may be sent via DA KZN Spokesperson on Human Settlements Riona Gokool, MPL at rionagokool@gmail.com.
As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) the DA remains committed to working hard to find solutions to the challenges facing our province.