Imagine a community where families wait years for a proper home, where basic services like water and electricity remain out of reach, and where crumbling infrastructure stifles any hope of economic progress. This is the reality for many in South Africa’s North West province, a region grappling with deep-seated housing and infrastructure challenges. Yet, amidst these struggles, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) is stepping up with a determined push to turn the tide. Under the leadership of MEC Oageng Molapisi, the department is rolling out a strategic plan to address a staggering housing backlog and revitalize stalled projects. Their mission isn’t just about building houses—it’s about creating sustainable communities that can thrive. By prioritizing existing issues over new ventures and fostering collaboration, the department aims to deliver on its constitutional mandate, offering a glimmer of hope for vulnerable populations across the province.
Reviving Stalled Projects with Strategic Budgeting
One of the most pressing hurdles facing the department is the sheer volume of incomplete housing projects dotting the North West landscape. These stalled initiatives represent not just wasted resources but dashed dreams for countless families. To combat this, COGHSTA has taken a pragmatic stance by allocating a hefty 80% of its current budget to reviving these dormant developments, while limiting new projects to just 20% of funds. This bold move signals a commitment to finishing what has been started before breaking ground on fresh endeavors. Moreover, the department is tightening oversight and improving project preparation to tackle issues like shoddy workmanship by contractors and insufficient bulk infrastructure in municipalities. The focus is clear: quality over quantity. By addressing these systemic bottlenecks, the department hopes to rebuild trust and deliver tangible results. This approach also reflects a deeper understanding of the need to balance immediate needs with long-term planning, ensuring that every rand spent translates into meaningful progress for residents.
Building Partnerships for Sustainable Settlements
Beyond budgetary shifts, the department is doubling down on collaboration as a cornerstone of its strategy. Upgrading informal settlements remains a key priority, with efforts centered on providing essential services such as water, sanitation, and electricity. Rather than imposing solutions, COGHSTA is working hand-in-hand with local and district municipalities in a spirit of mutual respect, allowing municipal councils to steer interventions. This ethos of partnership extends to broader governance structures, including active engagement in Intergovernmental Relations Forums like MUNIMEC and support for municipal capacity under Section 154 of the Constitution. Additionally, ties with the Provincial Treasury, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and traditional leadership bodies ensure that diverse community needs are addressed. This multi-stakeholder approach isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a deliberate effort to weave a network of accountability and shared goals. By fostering such inclusive governance, the department laid the groundwork for sustainable human settlements that could stand as a model for other regions facing similar woes.
