JOHANNESBURG -  "Incompetent RDP housing contractors should not be allowed to operate with impunity, as this drains the much-needed public resources," she said in a statement.

There should be serious consequences for delivery of shoddy work.

"When it comes to repairing structurally defective homes, government always steps in with more resources, while the contractor lives happily ever after and continues to get more tenders."

Madonsela was in the North West as part of a countrywide investigation into complaints about houses built under the government's Reconstruction and Development Programme, and minibus taxis.

She concluded her visit to the province on Friday. Madonsela had already been to KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Free State, and would visit Limpopo next week.

On Thursday Madonsela heard serious allegations from Klerksdorp residents about officials responsible for housing. A mayoral committee member was allegedly involved in the illegal sale of houses meant for the poor.

"All these are allegations that we will have to test. On RDP matters, we will work with municipalities and the provincial government to get to the bottom of all the issues raised," she told residents.