By Lungile Ntimba
Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara says she is satisfied with the positive developments of the ongoing housing projects in Sedibeng Region.
Motara visited four key locations in the region, including Shiceka, Sebokeng Ext. 30, Lethabong Mega, and Sebokeng Ext. 28.
The housing developments are part of the Gauteng Government’s program to accelerate service delivery projects within the Gauteng City Region.
During her visits on Tuesday morning, Motara engaged with project managers, site managers, contractors, and regional managers to discuss the advancements made at each site.
She said afterwards that the department was on track to meet both timelines and budget allocations for all projects observed despite a few challenges faced by some.
“The developments we have witnessed today underscore our commitment to delivering housing solutions efficiently,” Motara said.
“I am confident that the housing delivery for the next financial year will be completed within the allotted timeframes.”
In Sicelo Shiceka Erf 78, maintenance of Alternate Building Technology (ABT) walk-up units for Phase I was prioritised following assessments by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and an independent engineer, confirming structural soundness.
Plumbing maintenance was also singled out as needing immediate attention, with oversight from the National Department of Human Settlements and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, alongside cooperation from the Midvaal Local Municipality.
The project was started in June 2018 and is expected to be completed by April 2027.
Sebokeng Extension 30 encountered obstacles including the lack of electricity supply from Eskom, prompting efforts to expedite provision for Phase 2.
Additionally, deficiencies in bulk services (water, sewer, roads, and stormwater) from the Emfuleni Local Municipality necessitated urgent action to address these crucial infrastructure needs.
In Lethabong, on the other hand, challenges centered on the absence of electricity and inadequate maintenance of bulk services.
She was told that plans were set for the Emfuleni municipality to seek funding for a 20KVA electricity supply and to undertake drainage system servicing and clearance within the project area.
The project was started on March 31, 2019, and is expected to end by March 31, 2028.
Sebokeng Extension 28 similarly faced issues related to inadequate bulk services from the Emfuleni Local Municipality and a shortage of electricity from Eskom.
Addressing these infrastructure deficits was prioritised, alongside ongoing legal processes through Legal Advisory Services to manage the completion of eviction proceedings for 326 houses nearing 90% occupation.
In 2022, residents raised concerns about the housing shortage during the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sharpeville Cricket Grounds in Gauteng.
Community members highlighted issues such as poor road infrastructure, the housing backlog, unemployment, inadequate scholar transport, sewage problems, and overall service delivery failures, urging the government to take immediate action.
In response, Ramaphosa stated that the Department of Human Settlements, which had seven mega projects in the area, would address complaints from hostel residents.
“Our municipalities must pay attention to what needs to be done so that our people live with dignity. We want to see an improvement in the lives of our people from a service delivery point of view from now on,” Ramaphosa told Sedibeng residents.
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