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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
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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
DISASTER HIT KSD FAMILIES RECEIVE NEW HOUSES FROM HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROJECT
MEDIA ADVISORY TO ALL MEDIA FOR IMMEDIATE USE 23 August 2023 DISASTER HIT KSD FAMILIES RECEIVE NEW HOUSES FROM HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROJECT The dignity of disaster hit families will be restored when MEC for Human Settlements, Honourable Siphokazi Lusithi,...
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
MEC LUSITHI TO LAUNCH A MILLION RAND HOUSING PROJECT IN ENGCOBO
MEDIA ADVISORY
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10 JULY 2023
MEC LUSITHI TO LAUNCH A MILLION RAND HOUSING PROJECT IN ENGCOBO
East London——– Rural development will be enhanced for the better for the Engcobo based residence when Eastern Cape Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi alongside DR AB Xuma LM Executive Mayor , Cllr. Siyabulela Zangqa launches a two phased project worth over a million rand in Engcobo on the 11 July 2023 at Ngcobo Ext 11.
Not only will the project embetter and transform the living conditions for 1854 villagers but will also afford locals from the municipality with job opportunities. This housing project which is targeted for completion in June 2025. This launch forms part of a programme to eradicate mud structures and rescue destitute families from poor living conditions.
The implementing agency, Housing Development Agency is appointed seven (7) housing projects within the Chris Hani District on behalf of the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements.
Total overall cost for the Phase 1 of this Project is R 103 071 276.00.
The project launch is a build up to the provincial Mandela Month event.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
DATE: TUESDAY, 11 JULY 2023
VENUE: ENGCOBO EXT 11, DR AB XUMA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
TIME: 11H00
END.
Confirmations contact Thumeka Ngewu, 063 686 7573, ThumekaN@ecdhs.gov.za
Issued by Department of Human Settlements
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 TO HOST HUMAN SETTLEMENTS INDABA TO ACCELERATE DELIVERY IN THE EASTERN CAPE
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29 JUNE 2023
DEPARTMENT TO HOST HUMAN SETTLEMENTS INDABA TO ACCELERATE DELIVERY IN THE EASTERN CAPE
In efforts to fast-track service delivery and improve sustainable human settlements, the Eastern Cape Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, will host a three-day Human Settlements Indaba on 05-07 July 2023, at the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.
The Human Settlements Indaba is held in partnership with the Nelson Mandela University under the theme, “Accelerating the delivery of sustainable integrated human settlements in the Eastern Cape through collaborations and partnerships: Leaving No One and No Place Behind.”
The Human Settlements Indaba will bring together key stakeholders in the human settlements sector, including government, academics, private sector players, NGOs, and civil society organisations. The Indaba will be attended by the Minister of Human Settlements, Honourable Mmamoloko Kubayi, EC Premier, Honourable Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, amongst other government leaders.
The discussions will be on the implementation of the National Housing Programme, the challenges and opportunities of the province, policy developments, financing, and institutional arrangements. In the last two decades, the housing programme has undergone policy revisions, which have shown the transformation from building houses to creating sustainable communities and sustainable urban forms.
The programme will also include a certification ceremony in the evening for the councillors, traditional leaders and municipal officials who have concluded the Nelson Mandela University Short Learning Programmes on human settlements.
Members of the media are invited to the Human Settlements Indaba to be held as follows:
DAY 1:
Date: Wednesday, 05 July 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Nelson Mandela University South Campus, Gqeberha
DAY 2:
Date: Thursday, 06 July 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Nelson Mandela University South Campus, Gqeberha
DAY 3: (Project visits)
Date: Friday, 07 July 2023
Time: 08h30
Venue: Nelson Mandela University South Campus, Gqeberha
Please confirm attendance for accreditation purposes to P. Soga at 076 804 4292 or PhiwokuhleS@ecdhs.gov.za.
Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements.
Inquiries:
Mr Siyabonga Mdodi – Spokesperson to MEC
Mobile: 072 345 8457 | Email: SiyabongaMd@ecdhs.gov.za
50 GREAT KEI YOUTH EMPOWERED WITH SKILLS THROUGH YOUTH BRIGADE PROGRAM
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29 JUNE 2023
50 GREAT KEI YOUTH EMPOWERED WITH SKILLS THROUGH YOUTH BRIGADE PROGRAM
EAST LONDON —–Closing off Youth Month, The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements MEC, Honourable Siphokazi Lusithi alongside Great Kei Executive Mayor, Cllr Ngenisile Tekile will award 50 youth brigade skilled workers with certificates of participation in Great Kei Local Municipality on Friday, 30 June 2023.
In efforts to curb the challenge of youth unemployment in the province, the department has devised a youth brigade program that provides unemployed youth with job training and skills development in the construction industry. Youth is recruited to participate in the delivery of the Human Settlements through service within their communities wherein they take part in building houses under supervision of experienced contractors as well as any other Human Settlements related activities. Other running projects with current benefitting youth include Katberg and Orange Groove.
The Department facilitates the youth development programme within the sector through Municipalities, National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Members of the media are invited to the handover to be held as follows:
DATE: FRIDAY, 30 JUNE 2023
VENUE: ZONE 10, KOMGA, GREAT KEI LM
TIME: 09H00
Please confirm attendance to Ms P. Soga at 076 804 4292 or 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
CHILDREN AND DEPENDENTS OF MILITARY VETERANS TO RECEIVE HOUSES DURING YOUTH DAY COMMEMORATION
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14 June 2023
CHILDREN AND DEPENDENTS OF MILITARY VETERANS TO RECEIVE HOUSES DURING YOUTH DAY COMMEMORATION
The Eastern Cape Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, will on 15 June 2023, officially handover completed houses to the dependents of military veterans in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM). The handover is a build-up to the Provincial Youth Day Celebrations to be held in the Metro.
Chatty 491 is a housing project that prioritises military veterans and their dependents. One of the beneficiaries to receive a house on the day is 41-year-old Nompumezo Sam who is currently living under poor conditions in a shack with her three children. Sam is the daughter of the late Xolile Valdez Sam who died while in exile.
A total of 491 families of military veterans from NMBMM will benefit from the project. To date 169 houses have been completed.
Members of the media are invited to the handover to be held as follows:
DATE: THURSDAY, 15 JUNE 2023
VENUE: CHATTY, NMBMM
TIME: 13H30
Please confirm attendance to P. Soga at 076 804 4292 or 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
52 FAMILIES WHO WERE LIVING IN MUD STRUCTURES TO RECEIVE NEW HOUSES IN BUFFALO CITY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY
MEDIA ADVISORY TO ALL MEDIA FOR IMMEDIATE USE 07 JUNE 2023 52 FAMILIES WHO WERE LIVING IN MUD STRUCTURES TO RECEIVE NEW HOUSES IN BUFFALO CITY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY In...