Members of the portfolio committee on cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) in the North West Legislature conducted oversight visits to housing projects in Tshing Extensions 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10 in the JB Marks Municipality this week. It’s part of the North West provincial legislature’s oversight week programme to strengthen oversight, enhance public participation, and promote accountability and transparency in government projects.

The committee inspected a R286.9 million housing project where 1,500 units are being constructed by five different contractors during the 2025/26 financial year. However, progress has reportedly been slow. Only 15.5% of the work has been completed, translating to just 232 finished houses.

The project has reportedly been plagued by several challenges, including delays in commencing construction in some parts of the township. Delays apparently stem from uncertainty over the capacity of bulk sewer and water infrastructure to support the new developments.

A North West housing project has hit a snag. Photo: Facebook

The bulk infrastructure component of the project is being handled by the North West Housing Corporation, said legislature spokesperson Namhla Luhambe. 

Other obstacles included inconsistencies in payments to contractors, largely due to departmental cash flow constraints linked to budget cuts.

“The department needs to resolve the challenges around bulk sewer and water infrastructure urgently so that construction can progress smoothly and the houses can be completed within the planned timeframes,” said Cogta portfolio committee chairperson Kgalalelo Makgokgowa.

This is not the first time the province has faced such setbacks, added Luhambe.

In the 2018/2019 financial year, the department of human settlements appointed Moleah Construction to build 360 low-cost housing units in Toevlug Township.

While 344 houses were completed, 16 remained unfinished. In the 2022/2023 financial year, the department committed to unblocking those incomplete projects, including 90 housing units in Tshing Extensions 2, 3, and 4.

Some of the incomplete houses were reportedly constructed in flood-prone areas, forcing the relocation of beneficiaries to safer sites within the township. Luhambe added the relocation process is ongoing, pending the allocation of suitable land by JB Marks.

The portfolio committee urged the department of human settlements and the North West Housing Corporation to coordinate their efforts more effectively to avoid further cost escalations and ensure beneficiaries finally receive their long-awaited homes.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs