The Western Cape’s Infrastructure Department said it had spent more than R161 million on security to mitigate the scourge against extortionists of the so-called construction mafia.
MEC Tertius Simmers said because of this, 125 housing
opportunities were lost. He added that an increase in interest rates, also
affected the citizens’ uptake of the First Home Finance, better known as
FLISP.
PICTURED: Bush Radio's Mitchum George interviewing MEC Tertius SimmersSimmers presented its 2022/23 end-of-year performance
outcomes, to the Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee.
‘’Despite these challenges, the department was able to
deliver 7 808 housing opportunities and processed 3 727 title deeds in its
pursuit of security of tenure for residents of the province. In its continuance
as the leading province in the delivery of affordable housing, the department
delivered 1 108 FLISP housing opportunities making affordable housing
accessible to more residents.’’
Speaking on the impact of instability in local councils on
the delivery of projects, Simmers said: “Following the 2021 local government
elections, we saw a change in resources at some of the municipalities.
Institutional knowledge and expertise was lost and certain municipalities were
incapacitated and lacked an understanding of the human settlement ecosystem and
delivery cycle which has impacted on the delivery of housing
opportunities.”
“However, as a
provincial government that is committed to delivering the best possible housing
opportunities and services, we have set up mechanisms to mitigate and empower
our local governments. I have implemented a 2-legged District Municipality
Outreach programme which seeks to upskill and support municipal staff in
understanding and working to deliver housing opportunities. Due to such
interventions, we have seen an improvement in municipalities that are
partnering with us,’’ he added.
Done By: Mitchum George
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