Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says her department will work even harder to maintain solid relationships with the building industry in order to put roofs over the heads of millions of South Africans.
Speaking on the first day of the National Human Settlements Indaba and Exhibition in Johannesburg, the Minister said through partnerships with the private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders, they have been able to take meaningful steps towards realising the goal of delivering 1.5 million housing opportunities by 2019.
Delegates at the Indaba included representatives from the banking sector, Chamber of Mines, Slum Dwellers International and UN Habitat, among others.
Minister Sisulu said these partnerships have helped them deliver 1.2 million housing units in five years.
Her department has committed itself to help upcoming contractors to access funding. A dedicated unit will be set up in the department to ensure that contractors are paid on time. An ombudsman office will also be established to give contractors recourse to redress.
The Minister said they will also create a platform for contractors to interact with stakeholders like Water and Sanitation, Eskom, the roads agencies, the education and sport and recreation sectors, the Estate Agency Affairs Board, municipalities and communities.
Minister Sisulu said the focus will be on “mega” projects, which have the ability to house millions of people, while creating much needed jobs. She said her department will help to access land for low income housing.
http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/government-builds-partnerships-deliver-housing
