The Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) never delivered on its promise of “exciting development” in Westonaria, a DA PR councilor said. The community was promised approximately 6 000 RDP houses, setting high expectations.
According to Seth Sekhokho, DA PR councilor, the project was initially called the Westonaria Borwa Mega Project. It was structured to cater for a wide market – from entry-level subsidised units to rental apartments and affordable, up to mid-income bonded homes, but for the past year and a half there has been no progress with the approximately 200 half-built houses.
“The project was provided for in the 2015/ 2016 budget and was launched by Gauteng Premier David Makhura. I am convinced that the project has been abandoned after phase one was complete,” said Sekhokho.
The project is a big concern for Westonaria as money had been allocated to complete the project, but it is not evident in what has been delivered.
“Community members struggle, the economic is at a very bad stage and people need shelter,” said Sekhokho.
The Herald approached Tshidiso Tlharipe, RWCLM spokesperson for comment on the matter.
According to Tlharipe, the following milestones have been achieved:
• 1 583 units were completed and allocated
• 918 title deeds were issued to beneficiaries by the Minister of Human Settlements on 13 July 2017
• 486 of the planned 1 000 houses are under construction
Seth, however, remains extremely concerned about the community members who are currently living in difficult circumstances while they wait for proper housing. The question is: Where is the money that was budgeted to complete the project?
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