North West Human Settlements Secures R150 Million Boost for Housing Projects

The provincial legislature has approved an additional R150 million for housing development projects, helping the department address challenges brought on by previous budget cuts.

The North West Department of Human Settlements has received a significant financial boost aimed at accelerating its housing development targets and ensuring improved service delivery. The provincial legislature has approved an additional R150 million for housing development projects, helping the department address challenges brought on by previous budget cuts.

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance, chaired by Nathan Oliphant, adopted the report on the second Adjustment Appropriation Bill for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The bill serves as a legislative tool to adjust financial allocations in response to changing economic and social priorities, allowing for both increases and decreases in spending as needed.

Oliphant emphasized that this financial allocation will play a crucial role in ensuring the department meets its obligations under the informal settlements upgrading grant.

"As the department has been negatively affected by significant budget cuts, which impacted various housing projects, we welcome this adjustment. During deliberations, the committee stressed the importance of strong oversight to prevent any financial mismanagement or wastage," Oliphant stated on Tuesday.

The North West Provincial Treasury has conducted due diligence to confirm the department's capacity to effectively utilize the allocated funds. Oliphant reaffirmed the committee’s satisfaction with this process and its commitment to ensuring efficient spending.

"We are pleased that these resources will ensure timely contractor payments and that work on the ground continues without delays. Our people demand real results, not promises, and this funding will contribute to meeting their housing needs," he added.

The additional funding will support the construction of new homes and the completion of ongoing projects. This aligns with North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi’s commitment, as announced during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last month. Mokgosi outlined that the province aims to construct 3,555 houses in the upcoming financial year, focusing on the completion of stalled projects, first-home financing, and the removal of hazardous asbestos materials.

Among the catalytic housing projects, the province had set a target to deliver 249 units at a cost exceeding R82 million. By the end of the last quarter, the provincial government had surpassed expectations, delivering 268 units. Moving forward, the province plans to construct 500 housing units in mining towns, with a dedicated budget of R90.5 million.

This financial reinforcement reflects the government’s commitment to improving housing conditions in the province and ensuring the timely execution of housing projects. The portfolio committee will maintain strict oversight to guarantee that the funds are used effectively, leading to tangible benefits for the residents of North West.