Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena. See attached pictures here and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned about the crisis facing the Free State Department of Human Settlements. As evidenced by its repeated failures to meet its targets and deliver on its mandate to provide adequate housing and infrastructure to the citizens of the Free State. Oversight visits and recent committee reports have revealed alarming shortcomings that demand immediate attention and accountability.
The audited annual performance report for the 2024-2025 fiscal year highlights a dismal achievement rate of only 32% of planned targets, with 68% of targets not met. Key programmes such as Housing Needs, Research, and Planning, as well as Housing Development, have failed to deliver on their commitments. For instance, the department set a target of delivering 2,049 Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses, but completed only 573. Similarly, the registration of title deeds for post-1994 and post-2014 properties has been non-existent, with zero progress reported.
The second quarter performance report for the 2025-2026 financial year further underscores the department’s inefficiencies. Of the 18 planned targets, only 44% were achieved, while 56% were not. Projects such as the removal and replacement of asbestos roofs and the delivery of Community Residential Units (CRU) have seen no progress due to procurement delays and a lack of electricity connections.
Oversight visits to housing projects in the Fezile Dabi District revealed additional failures. The Gamont Housing project, initiated in 2010, remains incomplete, with 77 units still outstanding. Contractors have submitted claims for work not performed, and the department has yet to appoint replacement contractors. Similarly, the Sasolburg 800 project, initiated in 2003, has been delayed due to beneficiary approval issues, while the Koppies 350 housing project faces challenges with local material supply, further increasing costs and timelines.
We, however, note the Provincial Department of Human Settlements’ efforts to address these failures by holding its senior staff accountable through punitive audit certificates. The DA will continue monitoring the department to ensure accountability for contractors who have abandoned projects and will advocate for implementable, effective measures to prevent further delays. The residents of the Free State deserve better, and we will hold the department accountable to fulfil its mandate to provide sustainable housing and infrastructure solutions.