Pretoria – Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has issued a directive to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan to enhance services in informal settlements, demanding water and sanitation facilities that meet established norms and standards within seven days.
According to South African Government News Agency, during an outreach program in Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, where Kubayi handed over keys to new government-subsidized homes and title deeds, she addressed the urgent need for improved living conditions in informal settlements. This visit on Wednesday was part of a broader initiative among government levels to hasten the creation of sustainable human settlements across the province.
The Minister emphasized the need for a collaborative effort from all government spheres and agencies to present concrete solutions for community living conditions by the end of January 2024. Responding to community concerns raised during an imbizo, Kubayi stressed the urgency of addressing inhumane living conditions, particularly those in Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) with poor ablution facilities.
Acknowledging some progress in the in-situ upgrading project in the metro, Kubayi also noted the importance of proper verification processes in housing projects. She reminded that repeat beneficiaries are automatically disqualified, as per the policy which restricts government housing to those who have never owned a property before.
Kubayi highlighted the need for rectification of approximately 53,000 houses in the Eastern Cape, pre-dating democracy or built before the norms set by the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC). Due to financial constraints, this rectification will occur in phases.
The Minister also reiterated a warning against the sale of government-subsidized houses, emphasizing the policy’s restrictions and the financial implications of such transactions. She announced the launch of Operation Ziveze, a verification program with Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, to ensure that subsidized homes are occupied by legitimate owners.
Tshwete also cautioned residents against trading their title deeds for quick loans, highlighting the importance of these documents as assets for their children.
This imbizo is part of a series of outreach programs undertaken by the Minister and Deputy Minister to address challenges within the Human Settlements sector.
Additionally, Kubayi and Tshwete are scheduled to hand over government-subsidized houses in Bela Bela Ext 25, Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo. This project, aiming to restore dignity to those in informal settlements, will provide over 1,000 housing units upon completion.
The housing handover will be followed by a meeting with Human Settlements MECs (MINMEC) to review the sector’s performance since the start of the 2023/24 financial year. Discussions will include land release for human settlement development, progress on upgrading informal settlements, housing unit delivery, and the title deeds campaign.