Through a written parliamentary question, the DA in the Western Cape has learnt that the provincial Department of Human Settlements created a Housing Demand Database (WCHDD) tailored to the needs of municipalities in the province. This secure system enables local governments to safely store applicant information and ensure prioritisation for housing needs takes place accurately, minimising corruption.
MPP Matlhodi Maseko says: “The electronic Housing Demand Database is strictly managed by the provincial department which ensures that only relevant officials have access to the system in different municipalities. Access per user is limited. For example, housing managers may only utilise the system for quality control purposes whilst only senior municipal managers are authorised to change registration dates or ID numbers.”
The WCHDD further balances the selection outcome for housing allocation beneficiaries between households in informal settlements and those residing in backyards or overcrowded areas.
MPP Maseko says: “The WCHDD assures us that allocation of housing takes place on a fair playing field. The provincial department is commended for this system along with the executive directive to the effect that all municipalities in the Western Cape must follow the 50/50 split between informal settlements and backyard dwellers.”
The Covid-19 pandemic requires a concerted effort from government and all departments to meet the unprecedented challenges of this time. For this reason, Human Settlements in the Western Cape has utilised its WCHDD model and fast-tracked housing opportunities. We welcome this move and call on other provinces to follow suit, including Gauteng which has underspent its housing budget by R485-million and awarded houses to recipients with no identity documents.
The Western Cape demonstrates the importance of a fair, well-controlled housing system at a provincial level that provides checks and balances. The progressive realisation of housing opportunities is a Constitutional mandate that the DA in the Western Cape will continue to persistently strive to achieve until dignity is realised for all.
