Human Settlements Minister pledges to abolish hostels in Cities

Presenting her R30-billion budget to parliament yesterday, Sisulu said she planned to “gradually” do away with hostels in cities, calling the practice of migrant workers dwelling in hostels a “relic” and an “insult”.

Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says her department will overhaul its tender processes and abolish hostels in cities as part of 'doing things differently'.

Presenting her R30-billion budget to parliament yesterday, Sisulu said she planned to “gradually” do away with hostels in cities, calling the practice of migrant workers dwelling in hostels a “relic” and an “insult”.

“The message we want to send to hostel dwellers is that we have understood your concerns and responded to your pleas,” Sisulu said.

“We request that you allow us to put you up in temporary shelters while we build permanent units for you. These social housing units will give preference to under 40s who do not earn enough to buy a house.

“They are heavily subsidised by government and we ask our working under 40s to take this opportunity and to pay their rent and services.”

She said other hostel dwellers could qualify for the state-subsidised Building New Ground houses, or housing subsidies.

Sisulu also announced an overhaul of the department’s tendering process to eradicate abuse, corruption and manipulation.

Sisulu said her department hoped to implement a system in which tenders only went to companies with verified expertise and proven track records.

Sisulu said: “Through this process we also wish to ensure that the rampant practice of companies buying contracts and performing substandard jobs will also be remedied.”

DA MP Makashule Gana said that the hostel system needed to be upgraded so that workers lived in a habitable and dignified abode.

Gana urged Sisulu to consult with the hostel dwellers before making plans. He also complained about housing units standing empty for months, even years, after completion.

Sisulu said the first phase — of 15000 units — of the controversial N2 Gateway project in Cape Town would finally be completed at the end of June.

The project, in the pipeline for years, has been beset by delays. The national department reclaimed control of the project last year.

Sisulu said it had been a “steep learning curve”.