Customer Care: 086 000 0039 / sms: 43619 info@ecdhs.gov.za

NEWS

press releases

KEEPING YOU INFORMED WITH PRESS RELEASES …

MEC LUSITHI TO HAND OVER 53 HOUSES TO MZIMVUBU FAMILIES WHO WERE LIVING IN MUD STRUCTURES

TO ALL MEDIA
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
05 FEBRUARY 2024
MEC LUSITHI TO HAND OVER 53 HOUSES TO MZIMVUBU FAMILIES WHO WERE LIVING IN MUD STRUCTURES
Poverty stricken communities in Mzimvubu Local Municiaplity will benefit from a human settlements intervention to provide decent quality houses to 53 families living in delipidated mud structures. The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, will officially handover 53 houses to destitute families in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality.
The 53 houses form part of Mnceba 1000 Rural Housing, a project spread over 3 villages. Beneficiaries of this rural development are mainly elderly women who were living in collapsing structures. The Department of Human Settlements prioritised them as a destitute and vulnerable group.
One of the beneficiaries is 94-year-old Eunice Senzela from Sugar Bush who was living in a mud structure with 10 dependents. The other beneficiary is 71-year-old Matsalisa Mjama who was also living in a mud structure with her 4 dependents.
The Department plans to boost rural development with 973 more houses from 8 projects running in Mzivumbu, Ntabankulu and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela local municipalities during this financial year.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
DATE: THURSDAY, 08 FEBRUARY 2024
VENUE: SUGAR BUSH, MZIMVUBU
TIME: 10H00

ENDS.
Confirmations contact Phiwokuhle Soga, 076 8044292, PhiwokuhleS@ecdhs.gov.za
Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements.
Inquiries:
Mr Siyabonga Mdodi: Media Liaison Officer
Mobile: 072 345 8457 | Email: SiyabongaMd@ecdhs.gov.za

NTABANKULU VILLAGERS GET MUCH NEEDED MULTI-MILIION RAND FACILITY

MEDIA ADVISORY
TO ALL MEDIA
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
06 FEBRUARY 2024
NTABANKULU VILLAGERS GET MUCH NEEDED MULTI-MILIION RAND FACILITY
Poverty stricken villagers in Ntabankulu under Alfred Nzo District Municipality will benefit from a multi-purpose community facility that will improve their lives. The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, will officially open a Multi-Purpose Community Centre (MPCC) for community use and bring much needed services to the area as well as offer educational and recreational space for the youth.

The facility is situated within close proximity to the community for them to access it easily. The villagers currently need to travel long distance to access some of the services. The MPCC has on offer offices for sector departments such as Health and SASSA, a computer lab, library, kitchen and ablution facilities, traditional authority council court, sports field for netball and a day care facility. Five villages within the local municipality will be able to conveniently access the facility for various activities and provide them with work opportunities.
The MPCC will serve as a cornerstone facility to improve the lives of the destitute and vulnerable groups as well as generate social togetherness. The handover forms part of MEC Lusithi’s two-day service delivery visit in Alfred Nzo which includes handing over 53 houses in Mzimvubu Local Municipality.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
DATE: FRIDAY, 09 FEBRUARY 2024
VENUE: MPCC, MATSHONA VILLAGE
TIME: 10H00

ENDS.
Confirmations contact Phiwokuhle Soga, 076 8044292, PhiwokuhleS@ecdhs.gov.za
Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements.
Inquiries:
Mr Siyabonga Mdodi: Media Liaison Officer
Mobile: 072 345 8457 | Email: SiyabongaMd@ecdhs.gov.za

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS INITIATES BOLD STEPS TO UNBLOCK PROJECTS, PAVING THE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

MEDIA STATEMENT
TO ALL MEDIA
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
5 February 2024

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS INITIATES BOLD STEPS TO UNBLOCK PROJECTS, PAVING THE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

In her 2023/24 Policy Speech, Honourable Siphokazi Lusithi, MEC of Human Settlements, committed to leading decisive efforts to systematically unblock historically blocked/stalled projects. This commitment stems from the acknowledgment that since 1994, the ANC-led government has successfully delivered subsidized housing to over 3 million households, marking a significant quantitative achievement in South Africa’s developmental goals.

The 2022 Census by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) reported a remarkable 20.4% increase in households living in formal dwellings in the province over ten years, reaching 83.6% in 2022. Access to piped water inside dwellings has also risen from 18.3% in 2001 to 49.5% in 2022, contributing to extended homeownership and increased productive assets for the people.

However, despite substantial government-led investments, the demand for shelter continues to grow due to factors such as urban migration for economic opportunities and a growing population.

Background and Context

Honourable MEC Lusithi launched a campaign to systematically unblock historically stalled projects across the province, ensuring value for money and responding to the needs and aspirations of our people, as articulated in the 2023/24 Policy Speech. The ongoing campaign involves rigorous oversight of both blocked and ongoing projects, engagements with various stakeholders, including communities and contractors, and the enhancement of departmental systems to prevent future occurrences.

The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements is pleased to provide a comprehensive update on the remarkable progress made in unblocking historically stalled projects within the province. At the start of the 2022/23 financial year, the department faced the challenge of 87 stalled or blocked projects, translating to 23,975 housing units spread across all eight regions, each encountering unique challenges.

Through strategic interventions and collaborative efforts, we proudly announce the successful unblocking of 58 projects, translating to 12 759 housing units, with plans in place to address the unblock the 11 216 housing units in the remaining 29 projects.

Project Unblocking Overview

At the commencement of the 2022/23 financial year, the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements grappled with 87 stalled/blocked projects across its eight regions. These projects faced various challenges, ranging from poor contractor performance to issues related to the rural nature of certain areas and the unavailability of serviced sites. However, determined to address the housing needs of our communities, the department took significant steps to overcome these challenges.

Out of the 87 blocked projects, the department successfully unblocked 58 projects, now slated for implementation over multiple years. Professional Services Providers were appointed to assess the construction status, contractors engaged to complete works, and planning processes initiated. The department anticipates a substantial number of completed houses on these sites by the end of the 2023/24 financial year.

Challenges and Regional Dynamics

Each region faced distinct challenges. For instance, O.R. Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani, and Amathole Regions witnessed contract terminations due to poor contractor performance. Nelson Mandela Bay Region struggled with the unavailability of serviced sites, while Sara Baartman Region grappled with the long-standing issue of insufficient bulk infrastructure. These challenges underscore the diverse dynamics faced by the department in different regions.

The majority of blocked projects were initiated by municipalities in the past, with insufficient pre-planning and implementation activities. To address this, the department introduced Project and Home Enrolment with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to ensure project readiness before implementation, preventing future project blockages.

Financial Overview and Future Plans

The department required a budget of approximately R3.269 billion to construct about 23,975 housing units on the then 87 blocked projects, which now has 29 blocked projects. The financial allocation reflects the department’s commitment to overcoming historical project challenges and meeting the housing needs of our communities. Plans are underway to secure funding from various sources, with the National Department pledging support on a case-by-case basis.

Regional Breakdown

A detailed breakdown of unblocked projects, remaining blocked projects, and required funds for completion has been provided for each region, showcasing the department’s transparency and commitment to addressing specific challenges unique to each area.

 In Amathole Region, the department has successfully unblocked eleven projects and is now remaining with three blocked projects.

 In the Buffalo City Metro, we proudly announce the successful unblocking of three projects, with one remaining blocked project.

 In the Joe Gqabi Region, we are working tirelessly to address the seven remaining blocked projects.

 In the Nelson Mandela Bay, a total of six projects have been unblocked, with ten remaining blocked projects.

 In Sara Baartman Region, we have progressed to unblock a total of five projects, remaining with five blocked projects.
The high number of projects blocked due to Bulk Infrastructure in the 2022/23 Financial Year totals 27 unblocked projects, requiring funds of approximately R2.423 billion for completion. The 58 unblocked projects have housing units on various stages of construction.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook

The department has undertaken several measures to address project blockages, including the establishment of a panel of contractors, appointment of Implementing Agents, and fast-tracking additional funding applications. Continuous engagement with municipalities and implementing agents, alongside collaboration with the National Department, demonstrates a concerted effort to ensure the successful completion of these projects.

The Eastern Cape MEC-MMC Forum is a platform established by the Honourable MEC for a coordinated political-administrative interface between local and provincial governments to inform and enable a shared understanding on critical matters pertaining to the transformation of the sector and the delivery of integrated Human Settlements in the Eastern Cape.

The MEC-MMC implementation platform plays a critical role in coordinating the establishment of sustainable integrated human settlement. Municipalities should address delaying issues related to bulk infrastructure as it requires funding from different grants, and Municipal By-Laws must be applied to prevent land invasions.

Conclusion

The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing housing challenges and ensuring the timely completion of stalled projects. The establishment of a National Steering Committee on Blocked Projects underscores the collaborative approach adopted by the department and sets the stage for successful project implementation over multi-years.

“We are acutely aware that the phenomenon of blocked projects represents a serious predicament for people in dire need of subsidized houses. It requires bold and decisive action to turn around the situation for the benefit of the people. We are committed to ensuring that all projects are unblocked with the introduction of new integrated settlements that will contribute in building the Eastern Cape we want.” said MEC Siphokazi Lusithi

Our goal is to leave no one or place behind, consistently aligning with the UN Habitat emphasis on the importance of human settlements that promote economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements

For media inquiries, please contact:

Siyabonga Mdodi
Spokesperson to MEC S. Lusithi
Mobile: 0723458457 | Email: SiyabongaMd@ecdhs.gov.za

HUNDREDS OF CALA LOW-COST HOUSING BENEFICIARIES TO RECEIVE FULL HOME OWNERSHIP

MEDIA ADVISORY
TO ALL MEDIA
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
06 September 2023

HUNDREDS OF CALA LOW-COST HOUSING BENEFICIARIES TO RECEIVE FULL HOME OWNERSHIP

A total of 1256 Cala residents will legally own their government subsidised houses when Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, hands over their title deeds in Sakhisizwe Local Municipality on 08 September 2023. This is one of the Department’s priorities to ensure that sustainable housing is realised, and dignity is restored for the destitute and vulnerable.

All the recipients benefited from the Cala Ext 13, 14 and15 Project, a housing development for the many impoverished families in the local municipality.

The Department has put interventions to address some of the challenges faced and fast-tracking the delivery of title deeds. MEC Lusithi has embarked on a campaign to address the backlog and thus ensuring access to adequate housing and full homeownership.

The Department together with the local municipality, have undertaken a verification process to ensure the rightful beneficiaries receive their title deeds.

On the day, MEC Lusithi will visit some of the elderly beneficiaries and those living with disabilities in their homes to handover their title deeds. This will be followed by a community engagement and handing over ceremony.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Friday, 08 September 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: Cala Community Hall

Confirmations contact Phiwokuhle Soga, 076 8044292, PhiwokuhleS@ecdhs.gov.za
Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements.
Inquiries:
Mr Siyabonga Mdodi: Media Liaison Officer
Mobile: 072 345 8457 | Email: SiyabongaMd@ecdhs.gov.za

MINISTER KUBAYI TO HANDOVER HOUSES IN COFIMVABA 

MEDIA ADVISORY

09 August 2023

MINISTER KUBAYI TO HANDOVER HOUSES IN COFIMVABA

The Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, together with Eastern Cape Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, will on Thursday, 10 August 2023 hand over houses to elderly women in Cofimvaba, in the Eastern Cape.

The housing handover precedes the Presidential Imbizo to be held on Friday 11 August 2023 in Tsomo, Chris Hani District Municipality.

The KwaHala Rural Housing Project covers rural villages and is expected to deliver 278 housing units on completion. The latter prioritises the most destitute and vulnerable in society, with 150 houses allocated to the elderly.

The KwaHala Rural Housing Project is one of the 104 active housing projects within the Chris Hani District, allocated a total budget of R272 million for this current financial year.

The Minister and MEC will be joined by the MMC for Human Settlements in the Chris Hani District, Cllr Nosipho Papiyana, amongst the delegation.

Details are as follows:

SESSION 1- TECHNICAL BRIEFING (CLOSED)

Date: Thursday, 10 August 2023
Time: 10h30
Venue: Intsika Yethu Local Municipality

SESSION 2 – HOUSE HANDOVER TO ELDERLY AND PLANTING OF TREES

Date: Thursday, 10 August 2023
Time: 12h30
Venue: Kwa-Hala Village, Cofimvaba – Intsika Yethu Local Municipality

SESSION 3: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SERVICE FAIR
Venue: Kwa-Hala Village, Cofimvaba
Time: 13h00

There will be opportunities for media engagements on site.

For RSVP: Contact Phiwokuhle Soga on 076 804 4292 or Isaac Skhosana on 076 875 5681

Media Enquiries: Ms Hlengiwe Nhlabathi-Mokota, Spokesperson to the Minister on 064 754 8426 or Hlengiwe.nhlabathi@dhs.gov.za OR Mr Siyabonga Mdodi, Media Liaison Officer of EC Department of Human Settlements on 072 345 8457 or SiyabongaMd@ecdhs.gov.za