Human Settlements
With reference to the reply to question 9 in the Question Paper for written reply dated 17 April 2020:
(1) What is the current status of these projects;
(2) whether there are any updates on the work of his Department with municipalities to package projects to address concerns of dire need; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) (a) what is the progress with the process to fast-track the release of state-owned land and (b) what has developed as a result of the discussions;
(4) whether any other departments at any level of government have experienced any challenges in meeting the objectives of releasing land?
(1) The projects are in different stages.
See the attached Annexure A
Through the ISSP and NGO support programme, these communities will be further assisted, and we foresee these projects committed to for the next 5+ years.
(2) In order to create integrated and sustainable human settlements, my Department continues to work with local municipalities to package human settlement projects which address need (in terms of demand, need for infrastructure as well as the provision of socio-economic facilities).
Through monthly technical meetings and quarterly regional assistance, these projects are packaged and enter the department for Human Settlement Development Grant (HSDG) funding consideration. The potential projects are derived from the local municipal housing pipelines, and responds to the municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP). A variety of these projects are consistent with the Provincial Business Plan and the Department’s Annual Performance Plan(APP).
(3) (a)(b) My department identified 33 parcels of land and requested the National Department of Public Works to release the properties for human settlement development. To date, two of the 33 properties were released to the Theewaterskloof Municipality, which are intended for human settlement projects.
Subsequent to our request, the National Department of Public Works identified a further 167 properties. The HDA needs to conduct feasibility studies prior to a decision for release from National Department of Public Works.
(4) No, not that I am aware of. The request for the National Department of Public Works to release land suitable for human settlements is done on our behalf by the National Department of Human Settlements and the Housing Development Agency.
They seldom respond timeously.
