The DA in the Western Cape welcomes the R19.5 million self-funded increase to the budget for the provincial Department of Human Settlements despite the R23.32 million that has been cut from the Title Deeds Restoration Grant by national government and its directive to not build homes unless express permission is granted.
MPP Matlhodi Maseko says: ”The provincial Department of Human Settlements shows its ability to forge ahead even in a year when the province’s budget has been cut by more than R67 million. As a result of the Western Cape Government exceeding its own targets and working ahead of time at the Conradie Better Living Model development in the Cape Metro, R25 million has been brought forward from the 2021/22 financial year. This is proof of the excellent work and continued commitment by the provincial department to deliver housing opportunities to Western Cape residents.
However, we are deeply troubled that national government has sent letters to every province, instructing them to downscale housing developments for this year and to request permission from the national department for any future housing development projects. Essentially, national government is sending a clear message to provinces: stop building homes. This works against the progressive realisation of our constitutional obligation to offer dignity to those in need.
Given these concerns, I have written to Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertius Simmers, about how this national directive stands to impact the province’s ability to continue building homes for beneficiaries.
It is further disappointing that national government has cut R23 million from the highly successful Title Deeds Restoration Grant. This programme gives beneficiaries the dignity of owning their homes and supports generational wealth, uplifting and empowering residents. Furthermore, the national department has indicated that it plans to completely scrap this important grant because it does not have the finances to sustain its promises to South Africans.”
The DA in the Western Cape remains committed to delivering dignified homes to qualifying beneficiaries.
