KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municipality has been sent back to the drawing board after the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements conducted an oversight visit last week in Khayalethu and Bungalows to assess the quality and pace of housing projects funded through the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG).
The committee's visit on Thursday 24 July aimed to evaluate the municipality’s progress, scrutinise the use of allocated funds, and address the growing concerns over delayed and “blocked” housing projects.
During the closed session held at the Knysna council chambers, committee members met with municipal officials and project implementers to review the delivery of housing units and related infrastructure.
A key focus of the visit was identifying “blocked projects” - developments stalled due to administrative, legal, or technical issues.
The community of Khayalethu voiced their grievances and frustrations about the temporary structures, saying that the units are not liveable and not carefully thought through.
In response to criticism, Knysna Municipality clarified that the structures currently under review were always intended to serve as temporary housing solutions.
“At the time of allocation, the units were in a significantly better condition than they are currently,” stated Nwabisa Pondoyi, municipal communications officer, citing natural wear and tear and usage over time as contributing factors.
The municipality also explained that certain additional community needs had not been included in the original project scope due to budget constraints. However, it reaffirmed its commitment to addressing minor defects before the next group of beneficiaries occupy the units.
Electrification delays explained
The municipality addressed concerns around the lack of electricity in some units, noting that no initial funding had been allocated for electrification. A formal application was made to the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements to secure additional funding, which delayed the installation process. The municipality insists the delay was due to funding issues and not negligence. Once funding was approved, wiring was completed and certificates of compliance were issued.
Residents were reportedly informed throughout the process, including updates on the status of funding and timelines for connection. However, residents said at the oversight gathering that they felt sidelined and had not been kept in the loop.
Priority beneficiaries and accessibility measures
A resident highlighted the plight of an elderly disabled woman who cannot leave her house by herself, as the ramp is not stable and the retaining walls too high.
In accordance with national guidelines, allocation of units has prioritised the elderly, persons with disabilities, and child-headed households. The municipality confirmed that two beneficiaries required wheelchair ramps, which were provided. The case is now under urgent review.
Topography, material shortages add to delays
One of the major cost drivers for the R50m project is the challenging topography, particularly steep slopes that complicate construction logistics.
Delays were further compounded by material shortages, as suppliers often prioritised larger projects elsewhere while smaller municipal contractors had to wait.
The municipality stated that rebuilding is not occurring in a straight-line sequence, but rather based on the structural integrity of individual units, material availability, and access to services.
Commitment to progress
On the matter of “happy letters” - official documentation issued upon unit handover - the municipality confirmed that these are only issued once a unit is deemed safe and habitable.
In cases where units were handed over prior to electricity being connected, the decision was made with the understanding that electrification was imminent and fully funded.
The municipality stressed that it is taking the portfolio committee’s feedback seriously and had already implemented measures to address the concerns raised.
“We remain committed to ensuring the dignity and well-being of our community remain at the heart of our housing delivery efforts,” the municipality said.
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