Problems in the provision of RDP housing in extension 39 Mmabatho North West Province

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to investigate the problems in the provision of RDP houses, using a case study of Extension 39 in Mmabatho, North West Province. A mixed research method of both qualitative and quantitative approaches was utilised and data was collected using closed and open ended questionnaires, interview and focus group discussions. A sample size of 125 respondent participated in the study, of which120 were chosen using a systematic random sampling of households and the other 5 (five) were officials from the Mmabatho Local Municipality, Department of Human Settlement and a councillor from Extension 39. The study found that, proper guidelines and procedures of obtaining and occupying an RDP house in Extension 39 were not properly followed ; there was also poor craftsmanship leading to poor state of housing ; lack of title deeds to beneficiaries, very small houses, and illegal occupation of houses, illegal electricity connections , and out - of - house built toilets among others. The study recommends that the Department of Human Settlement provides title deeds to the rightful beneficiaries of the RDP houses in order to eliminate the problem of illegal occupation ; beneficiaries whose houses were allocated to the Pomprets (illegal occupants) should be given first priority on the new houses that would be built since their names are already in the list. The Pomprets should be offered alternative accommodation; the free lights forever which was designed to meet the electrification requirement of the RDP housing development as supplied by Eskom should be utilised as another option (Solar 2010). With the problem of poor craftsmanship, the standard of the houses should be reinforced ; the Departments concerned with monitoring and evaluation of the provision of RDP houses should insist on the contractors understanding and abiding to the National Building Regulations (NBR) to avoid future constructions defects; a set of uniform standards be adhered to by all contractors involved in the building of RDP houses in order to reduce the problem of small houses; the Mmabatho Local Municipality should provide keys and padlocks to beneficiaries so as to avoid passer - by's using their toilets; and lastly the provision of basic services is essential for sustainable human settlements such as roads and waste removals .