South Africa's Human Settlements Ministry Rejects R3.6 Million-Per-Unit Housing Claims: Stalled Projects Referred to Hawks
South Africa's Ministry of Human Settlements on November 9 rejected media reports suggesting that the Department of Human Settlements, through the Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements, constructed housing units costing as much as R3.6 million each, describing the claims as baseless and factually incorrect and maintaining that no individual housing unit in the projects in question cost R3.6 million.
The reports stem from a recent parliamentary question directed to Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane regarding blocked housing projects in the Free State, including Dark and Silver City (top site and bottom site) in Bloemfontein, as well as G-Hostel in Welkom. "There are currently no verified facts or evidence before the department to substantiate claims that any of the housing units in question cost more than R3 million," the department said.
The ministry acknowledged the challenges facing housing delivery, particularly those associated with stalled projects, which have deprived qualifying beneficiaries of their constitutional right to adequate housing. It also acknowledged that prolonged delays in implementing the projects have resulted in cost escalations, placing additional financial pressure on already limited public resources.
The matter has been referred to law enforcement agencies, and the projects in question are being investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, the department confirmed. It emphasised that allegations of irregular expenditure, project delays and the mismanagement of public funds are taken extremely seriously, and urged media and the public to rely on verified information and to distinguish between the overall costs associated with stalled projects and the actual construction costs of individual housing units.
"The Ministry remains resolute in ensuring accountability for the challenges affecting housing delivery. We will leave no stone unturned in pursuing those responsible for the regrettable delays and associated escalations. Any public or private sector officials, contractors or other parties found to have contributed to these failures will be held accountable and, where evidence warrants, will face the full might of the law," the ministry said. It reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating housing delivery, protecting public resources, and ensuring that qualifying beneficiaries receive their homes.
(Source: Ministry of Human Settlements, South Africa)
Source: Ministry of Human Settlements, South Africa
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：南非人类住区部办公楼。SAnews 供图，南非政府新闻署明示媒体可免费使用其图片并注明出处。 / Photo: The Department of Human Settlements building. Photo via SAnews; the South African Government News Agency states media may use its pictures at no cost with credit to SAnews.
