Long wait for the poor to get housing

The South African government rolled out 750 000 houses for the poor in the last four years bringing the total to 3.3 million since 1994 but there is still a backlog of 2.1 million houses for between eight and 10 million people.

Though the ruling African National Congress if committed to the poor and shall not abandon them, Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale said on Wednesday the continuous allocation of grants for free housing to the poor was not sustainable.

Sexwale said the houses for the poor, those earning below R3 500, had been provided at a cost of R85 000 each.

“Quite clearly, the continuous allocation of grants for free housing to the poorest of the poor is unsustainable going forward,” he said. “Strictly speaking, this is more of a welfare programme approach than a long lasting housing policy as this programme is driven by the triple evils of unemployment, poverty and inequity.”

But he added: “For as long as this is the case, so long shall this programme remain because we as the ANC government are committed to the poor and shall not abandon them through no fault of their own.”

But for those waiting for government houses, it might be a long wait.

Already the government is providing social grants to 16.1 million people.