The DA will write to the chairperson of Portfolio Committee for COGHSTA, Kedibone Lebea, to request a committee oversight to the Koppewaai housing development in Bela Bela.

This project commenced over a decade ago with the controversial purchase of the overpriced land unfit to build on and is yet to be completed.

During a DA oversight to Koppewaai earlier this month we found  various irregularities (see photos here, here and here):

Foundations of the houses are built on a slope and are not level

Water and electricity meters have been installed but no such services are provided

The appointment of a sub-contractor to build houses who is not registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC)

Allegations of political interference into the appointment of contractors and the allocation of stands

No title deeds issued to the recipients

The DA will further request Ms Lebea to investigate why COGHSTA returned R100 million under the Human Settlements Development grant and R44.7 million for the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership grant to the national department, when there are incomplete developments such as Koppewaai in the province.

COGHSTA has not met their housing targets since 2014; indicative of an uncaring government.

Everyone, including the residents of Koppewaai, deserve to live in  well-built houses and communities that provide them with dignity and safety.

Issued by Desiree van der Walt MP - DA Provincial Spokesperson on COGHSTA