The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has announced a major shift in its housing delivery strategy, allocating 80% of its 2026/27 housing budget to completing unfinished housing projects before launching new developments.
MEC Gaoage Oageng Molapisi unveiled the new approach on Thursday while introducing the contractor appointed to deliver the 216-unit Ditshilong housing project in the Greater Taung Local Municipality.
Molapisi said the decision was driven by the growing number of incomplete housing projects across the province, some of which have remained unfinished for years.
“We want to complete what has already been started before expanding to new projects,” he said.
He added that the remaining 20% of the housing budget would fund new developments, with priority given to qualifying beneficiaries, including people living with disabilities and young people.
The 216-unit Ditshilong housing project, valued as part of a broader investment exceeding R62 million in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, is expected to be completed by March 2027. The project forms part of government’s efforts to accelerate housing delivery and provide decent homes to deserving families.
Molapisi also called on communities to play an active role in safeguarding housing projects by monitoring construction progress and protecting sites from vandalism and theft.
He said the theft of building materials and damage to construction sites had delayed several housing developments in the past, leaving many beneficiaries waiting years for their homes.
The MEC assured residents that all materials required for the Ditshilong project had been secured and that construction was already under way. He added that the department had engaged councillors and community members to promote transparency and strengthen public oversight throughout the construction process.
The department believes the new funding model will help reduce the backlog of incomplete housing projects while ensuring future developments are delivered more efficiently.
