Human settlement warns against unauthorised house renovations

The Department of Human Settlements has issued a statement condemning individuals and businesses that are allegedly rehabilitating houses without the government’s approval.

Around 2130 houses in Tekwane and areas surrounding the City of Mbombela were affected by last year’s storm.

According to the spokesperson of the department, Freddy Ngobe, sub-contractors through the local councillor requested a meeting with the department to present the matter and discuss possible solutions.

”It is claimed that there are about 150 houses that have since been fixed or currently being attended to by un-contracted individuals or business people.

An urgent meeting between the department and some concerned sub-contractors revealed that such illegal activities are taking place,” he said.

ALSO READ:Klipspringer is reopened despite serious concerns

The budget to rehabilitate the entire 2130 storm-ravaged houses was received from the National Department of Human Settlements with strict conditions and will be audited as the project is being consolidated.

Head of human settlements, Kebone Masange has strongly condemned such actions and labelled those cited as opportunistic.

ALSO READ:Mbombela licensing offices back online

“All illegal activities that are taking pace should be stopped. We only expect houses that have been sanctioned by the department to be considered. There should be consequences for such acts,” he said.

Local councillor, Joseph Mashaba has been given an opportunity to engage with his constituency, explain the department’s position and report to the department in due course.

The department said the project has finished 1765 of the total 2130 storm-damaged houses. Other houses are at various stages of completion with the view to complete the entire project by the end of June.