The DA has welcomed the resumption of the project to install bulk infrastructure at Olievenhoutbosch extension 60 after numerous delays lasting over six years.
DA Shadow MEC for Human Settlements, Meryn Cirota and DA Spokesperson for Human Settlements, Evert Du Plessis MPL conducted oversight inspections at Olievenhoutbosch Extension 60 RDP houses on Monday.
Cirota said the party is happy that the project has kickstarted yet again after it stalled for almost six years.
“We are visiting this area because we have been told that there is a delay in the delivery of housing and particularly bulk infrastructure. We are pleased to learn this week the City of Tshwane has approved R23 million for water bulk infrastructure to be done in the next eight to 12 months.
“Unfortunately the project has been delayed for quite some time because of reasons which we are not sure of. We are told it is Covid-19 but we are not quite sure. We are also told it is because of a potential increase in project cost. This project has been on hold for five to six years and residents have been living here in half-finished houses without bulk water,” Cirota.
The majority of houses in Olievenhoutbosch have been illegally occupied but the DA is adamant that the RDP houses in extension 60 are not illegally occupied.
Cirota said the province is battling with abandoned projects due to ‘wrong contractors’ being employed and this also contributes to illegal occupation of houses.
“When projects are unfinished you get thousands of people waiting for this project while living in squalor and yet they are not able to complete the project. Why are these projects not being completed? because wrong contractors are being employed. There hasn’t been accountability and they haven’t been penalised. We are working very hard in the committee to ensure that these projects are finished,” said Cirota.
