Department of Infrastructure’s Human Settlements branch presents 2022/23 performance outcomes to the Provincial Standing Committee
The Department of Infrastructure’s Human Settlements branch presented its 2022/23 end-of-year performance outcomes, in what was its final year as the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements. The provincial Minister, Tertuis Simmers, and his executive team presented the outcomes to the Standing Committee.
The department faced a heightened environment due to the disruptions and stoppages of projects through extortion tactics of the construction mafia. The illegal occupation of vacant land and housing units under construction remained a key challenge. By the end of the year, the department spent more than R161. 7 million on security to mitigate this scourge, with 125 housing opportunities being lost. An increase in interest rates affected the citizens’ uptake of the First Home Finance (FLISP).
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, Minister 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.”
One of the stand-out innovative projects for the department was the delivery of the first of its kind Rent-to-Own pilot in the Millpark project in Cape Agulhas. This project has received unprecedented interest from the citizens and has already stretched beyond the Western Cape.
The Minister while acknowledging the challenges faced during the year was elated with the performance of the department. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to every one of this team for punching above their weight during this difficult period. We have remained true to our mandate of putting innovation at the forefront of our service delivery to the benefit of the citizens. We have once again outperformed all provinces in the delivery of affordable housing and making it accessible and more affordable for all. I believe that through the foundation that we set in the 2022/23 financial year, we will see the acceleration in the upgrades of informal settlements, and delivery of social housing that is closer to business centres.”
The department improved its work by achieving an unqualified audit with findings setting it up for success in the 2023/24 financial year.
Media Enquiries:
Mr. Ntobeko Mbingeleli
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
ntobeko.mbingeleli@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 8067 (o)
061 447 7851 (m)