The DA in Mpumalanga has written to Human Settlements MEC, Speedy Mashilo, requesting him to make public the feasibility study pertaining to the stalled RDP housing project in Esizameleni Township in Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality.
Just last month, it came to light that the above-mentioned project located in Ward 5 (Esizameleni Township) near rural Wakkerstroom – which started in February last year, was abandoned by the contractor just four months later. It was also reported in the media that the contractor was paid a third of the budget, translating to R3 million.
Following the above media reports, the DA met with management of the municipality, and we also conducted an oversight at the project this past Monday. The management of the municipality confirmed that the first contractor abandoned the project because the terrain of the project site is rocky and mountainous. They also confirmed that R3 million has already been spent on the contractor.
At the project site, the DA found that the terrain will not only make it difficult to complete this housing project, but it would also cost more than the R12 million anticipated budget. We also found that since this RDP project was abandoned in June last year, there are abandoned plastic pipes and other items at the site which is getting damaged.
Seeing the project site ourselves, it was easy for the DA to conclude that this It was clear that this housing project was not supposed to happen on that site if a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was done and handed over to authorities.
In addition to the above, the DA was informed by community members that walls which were built on the mountain to stop and divert rainwater was removed and the related water run-off is causing damage to homes in the area. We were also informed that roads in the area were in a state of disrepair and not usable during rainy seasons.
Considering the current Mpumalanga housing backlog, which is presently 275 105, it is understandable why the residents in Wakkerstroom and the respective beneficiaries feel a sense of hopelessness. Being cognisant of the many years which our people are waiting on this provincial list, we cannot have situations over which we have control that further delays the delivery of much needed housing.
The DA has thus written to MEC Mashilo requesting the feasibility study of the site to be made public and an alternative suitable site be identified where these houses can be built. In addition to the above, we will table a member’s statement in the legislature sitting this week Thursday, requesting the MEC to provide a way forward.