Speaker, it was sad to read that it was reported in The Star newspaper that more than 708 state-owned houses in Gauteng are occupied by friends and relatives of government officials.
This information was released in terms of the report submitted by the department of infrastructure and development to the legislature's oversight committee in Gauteng last night. According to the report, some of the occupants claim to have bribed senior government officials in order to gain access to houses. Out of 826 state-owned and occupied houses, there were only 46 signed lease agreements, with most of the tenants who were friends or relatives currently defaulting on the payment of taxes, rent and rates.
The report described the houses as being in a mess and in a state of disrepair. It will cost the state an estimated R5 billion to restore them, for which the department has only budgeted R520 million for this year.
In conclusion, the IFP calls for an urgent investigation into the above irregularities concerning illegal tenants of the state, where these tenants are friends and relatives of government officials. I thank you. [Applause.]