The chairperson of the committee, Mxolisi Kaunda, said in a statement this week that it was deeply concerning that the Alabama Extension 10 project proceeded without essential services.
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THE Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (including Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation) has criticised the North West Provincial Department of Human Settlements, the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and the Matlosana Local Municipality for poor integrated planning.
This follows an oversight visit to Matlosana, where a housing project was implemented without adequate bulk infrastructure.
The chairperson of the committee, Mxolisi Kaunda, said in a statement this week that it was deeply concerning that the Alabama Extension 10 project proceeded without essential services. “South Africa has transitioned from housing delivery to integrated human settlements.
“It is therefore unacceptable that this project lacks basic bulk infrastructure, leaving residents with blocked sewage systems and no electricity,” he said. While the committee noted plans to electrify the area in the upcoming financial year, it emphasised that bulk infrastructure can never be treated as an afterthought.
The committee was also concerned about contractor management. It noted that the project to deliver about 1 600 houses is still incomplete, and the appointed contractor has not been on site since October 2025. Noting the poor monitoring of the project, the committee urged authorities to act.
Members warned that without corrective action, including possible termination of the contract, delays will persist. The committee recommended that future projects involve multiple contractors to distribute capacity and reduce risk.
Another concern was the breakdown in communication between the government and the community. The committee called on local leadership to meet with residents to address frustration and dissatisfaction.
The community meeting must be held within two weeks, and authorities should provide a progress update, including plans for electrification set to start on 1 July 2026.
Despite concerns, the committee commended the quality of the completed houses and urged that the standard of workmanship be maintained throughout the project.
The committee also welcomed visible progress in the refurbishment of the Orkney Wastewater Treatment Plant, highlighting its importance in preventing untreated sewage from contaminating local water sources.
The committee reiterated that municipalities have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure dignified living conditions and proper wastewater management.
It will continue to closely monitor progress and implementation of remedial actions across all spheres of government.