Pretoria: Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has called on the North West Department of Human Settlements to ensure timely and budget-compliant completion of housing projects. Simelane emphasized this directive during a two-day oversight visit aimed at assessing housing delivery, enhancing oversight, and engaging with communities on human settlements initiatives.

According to South African Government News Agency, Simelane urged that commitments made to the public regarding housing delivery timelines must be upheld, stressing that contractors should meet deadlines or face accountability. Accompanied by North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Gaoage Molapisi and local mayors, Simelane handed over houses in Ventersdorp as part of a broader project set to deliver 2,500 units by October 2026.

The delegation also distributed title deeds to beneficiaries in the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality under the Title Deeds Fridays campaign. Simelane pressed the provincial government to intensify efforts to resolve stalled housing projects and expedite the registration and transfer of title deeds.

A report presented to Simelane highlighted that several housing projects have stalled due to challenges such as dolomitic ground conditions and inadequate bulk infrastructure. The title deeds restoration program faces obstacles from untraceable beneficiaries, incomplete township establishment processes, deceased beneficiaries, and illegal occupation of houses. The North West government aims to transfer 2,450 title deeds to eligible beneficiaries during the 2026/27 financial year.

Simelane emphasized that transferring title deeds is vital for restoring dignity, offering security of tenure, and promoting economic inclusion. Although she welcomed interventions, she warned against fragmented planning within government spheres and stressed effective contract management to ensure contractors fulfill their obligations. The government remains committed to directing resources towards programs with significant social impact.

Molapisi indicated that funds allocated through the Human Settlements Development Grant and the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant would be utilized to accelerate housing delivery and improve living conditions for communities in need across the province.