The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has endorsed the Department of Human Settlements’ plan, in collaboration with provinces, to create a new strategy to address stalled projects. While the strategy is welcomed, the committee stressed that successful implementation will be the true test of its effectiveness.
Chairperson Mr Nocks Seabi stated, “It is crucial that this strategy does not end up as just another ambitious plan that fails to address the needs of the people. It is time to ensure that plans lead to tangible results and more housing opportunities for the people.” The committee’s focus on implementation is driven by the negative impacts of stalled projects, including wasted financial resources, increased construction costs, community frustrations, and a loss of trust.
It is imperative, according to the committee, for the strategy to tackle issues like poor administration, capacity constraints, and delays in procurement at the local government level. Mr Seabi emphasized, “It is unacceptable to continue highlighting skills shortages within local government without concrete plans to rectify these deficiencies.”
Furthermore, inadequate project planning and management often result in the appointment of incompetent contractors who fail to deliver projects on time. The committee emphasized the need to avoid hiring contractors with a history of poor project delivery to ensure quality outcomes.
The committee is pleased with the assurance that the strategy will address the key factors causing project delays by focusing on clear project definitions, legal and contractual clarity, project categorization, financial frameworks, contracting strategies, implementation and monitoring, and quality assurance. The committee believes that if these aspects are addressed, the strategy has the potential to resolve many stalled projects.
Once the strategy is finalized, the committee will request regular updates from the department to oversee implementation and verify results.
In addition, the committee welcomed initiatives to help provinces and metropolitan municipalities improve their financial performance with conditional grants. The committee reiterated that effective planning and coordination are essential for improved performance. Mr Seabi emphasized, “The District Development Model offers a platform for coordination across government levels and should be utilized.”
Moreover, the committee stressed the importance of avoiding past practices that led to underperformance, such as delays in supply chain processes, using grant funds for unauthorized projects, allocating funds to projects not ready for implementation, and failing to register projects with the National Home Builders Registration Council before construction begins.
The committee is committed to enhancing monitoring of grant funding spending to ensure it is used appropriately.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.