The MEC for Human Settlement in Gauteng has been ordered by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to look into the issue of the 200 vacant houses in Brandvlei, Randfontein that are being neglected and vandalised.

This comes after reports that the houses in question have been deserted for some time now and have turned into a haven for drug users as well as vandals.

According to the DA’s Mervyn Cirota, he will be writing to the MEC to establish the way forward as far as the houses are concerned. 

“Media reports have indicated that the houses have been left incomplete and deserted, and suggested that there is wide-spread corruption when it comes to allocating them. However, South Africa’s housing burden cannot be relieved if developments such as these are left to deteriorate. Therefore, we need to establish the time frame to ensure that refurbishment in this settlement is done and people are able to move into this development,” says Cirota. 

He adds that they will have to check on the processes that were followed in allocating houses to those who are on the waiting list.

“The Department of Human Settlement in conjunction with local authorities must act swiftly to ensure that development is reclaimed and deserving beneficiaries are allocated the houses accordingly. This will help to deal with the alleged corruption in relation to the allocation of houses,” says Cirota. 

Initially, the herald reported that the houses in question were meant to be refurbished on Mandela Day and handed over to residents; however, that has not happened.

Meanwhile Local Government and Housing spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa confirmed that the houses have been vandalised and are vacant, and says they are looking into the problem.

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