Observations The delegation observed the following: > The deteriorating, aging bulk infrastructure was hampering development in the province. > In Ivory Park informal settlements (e.g. Mafela 3 and 2) an average of five households occupied a single stand, which included access to a single, shared power point. This compromises the rights of other occupants to access basic services like electricity and further creates challenges for households to manage their budgets. > Prior to 2004 in Diepsloot, houses were occupied illegally while the rightful owners were still living in informal settlements. Thus far, the province has not addressed the issue or assisted rightful owners to occupy their houses. > There were approximately 64 hostels in the province and most of them were in a very poor state. To convert these hostels into community residential units (CRUs) would be a very costly exercise, and current residents who are mostly dependent of social grants would not be able to afford to pay the rent. > About 90% of Orange Farm's challenges were related to sewer connections due to service providers that are alleged to lack capacity. Furthermore, some contractors failed to complete projects. However, the province continued to award contracts to some of those alleged contractors. Access roads were also in a very poor condition. > The Banakekele Hospice was hosted in an unused school building and was not suitable for persons in frail care and people with disabilities. The hospice acquired land, but required assistance with future funding for a formal structure and equipment. > At Harry Gwala Beachfront approximately 1 600 shacks were situated on a floodplain next to a lagoon. The province allocated 305 new houses for the relocation of residents to a new area. However, residents refused to relocate, arguing that the new site was further away from their places of work and schools. > The province was experiencing similar challenges to other provinces in respect of blocked projects, e.g. Kliptown, Lusaka Section in Ivory Park, Orange Farm, etc. However, the province categorically denied the existence of any blocked projects. > In Lusaka Section shacks were erected under power lines and residents were exposed to electrical shocks on a daily basis. The situation was so dire that residents could not use metal eating utensils or push a wheelbarrow. > In Silvertown the province provided residents with temporary relocation units (TRUs) made of corrugated iron. The delegation noted that corrugated iron is not a healthy alternative since it is either too hot during summer or too cold during winter. > Alleged fraudulent and corrupt practices in the allocation of houses were raised sharply in all areas visited. > Public participation remains a challenge, especially in the dissemination of information which is very inconsistent. > The Lack of proper communication between councillors, the city and the province resulted in conflicts between ward councillors and communities.