According to the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Mmoloki Cwaile, there is a serious housing challenge in the province with the number of mushrooming informal settlements. 

Tabling the department's 2021/22 budget, Cwaile told Members of the Provincial Legislature more needs to be done to address housing backlogs and ensure the dignity of residents is restored. 

He said R320 million has been set aside specifically for the upgrading of informal settlements. With more than 620 villages in the province and over 300 informal settlements, Cwaile said they are expecting this budget allocation to assist at least 1.3 million of the population. 

He further alluded that the provision of water and sanitation in these areas is often a huge challenge as well.

Cwaile said in the building and provision of houses, senior citizens, women and the disabled will be prioritised.

"The department on the 1st of May signed a Memorandum of Understanding with women in construction in efforts to address housing challenges and redress the lack of transformation in the industry." 

Cwaile outlined that the number of title deeds to be transferred to new homeowners is 5 668 and that R1 billion has been set aside for housing development, R38 million for housing needs and research during this fiscal year.

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