Madam Deputy Speaker, it shouldn't come as a shock to learn that the ANC-run North West Department of Local Government and Human Settlements spent over R100 million on two housing projects. However, what should come as a shock to everyone of us here is that only four houses were completed.
The DA has documents in its possession which were presented to the Rustenburg Local Municipality in November 2009. These documents reveal a number of irregularities in the Meriteng Housing Development Project.
The documents show that the contract was awarded to a contractor who is not registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council. The contractor was overpaid by R6 million, and the rectification process will now cost R72 million. The local municipality swept the issue under the carpet.
When Minister Shiceka came into office last year, this matter was referred to him. Needless to say, in typical ANC style, nothing has been done to date. In the case of the Vryburg housing project, 470 houses were meant to be built. But, thus far, only four have been completed. The amount spent so far is R114 million, which translates into R28,5 million per completed house!
The situation in the North West is very serious. The citizens of that province are already facing long waiting lists, and are being denied an opportunity to access housing opportunities.
The Public Protector needs to investigate these projects, whilst the Minister of Human Settlements needs to increase his efforts to root out corruption and inefficiency in housing projects. The DA will be writing to the Public Protector to request a full investigation into these projects. Thank you. [Time expired.]