R371m spent on Thembisa housing project, but no unit completed
R82 million is needed to complete the housing units in the blocks assessed as being in moderate condition.
The Thembisa Extension 25 Mega Housing Project, with an initial budget of R371 million, has witnessed no housing units being completed or handed over to beneficiaries since its inception in 2021. The project, intended to deliver 3 510 units, remains stalled despite the expenditure, with no disciplinary, civil, or criminal action taken against the responsible officials or service providers.
Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane disclosed that R371 million has been paid to contractors and service providers thus far. The original approved budget for the project stands at R1.4 billion, excluding VAT, with an additional R82 million required to complete the housing units in moderate condition blocks. The remaining 380 incomplete units have been affected by vandalism, with five blocks reporting severe deterioration.
The project's halt can be traced to disruptions caused by construction mafias, along with funding constraints and budget reductions. No one has been held accountable for the project's failure, as no disciplinary, civil, or criminal action has been initiated.
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