Nearly a decade after completion, North West housing projects still stand without water and sanitation, prompting harsh criticism from Parliament’s human settlements committee
During an oversight visit on 14 October 2025, the committee found that most of the houses remain unconnected to basic services.
It raised the alarm after visiting Delareyville, Deelpan and Mahikeng. These visits form part of the committee’s week-long programme across North West and Gauteng.
COMPLETED HOUSES STILL WITHOUT WATER AND SANITATION
The committee found that a housing development in Delareyville Extension 8, completed in 2016, remained without water and sanitation systems.
They also found another unfinished housing project at Delareyville Extension 7.
To remedy this, the committee urged the Tswaing Local Municipality to apply for the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant from the Department of Water and Sanitation.
NORTH WEST HUMAN SETTLEMENTS REPRIORITISES FUNDING TO ADDRESS BLOCKED PROJECTS
The committee also has acknowledged the Human Settlements Department’s plan to reprioritise funding to address blocked projects.
However, it raised concern over the deteriorating state of the housing development sites.
“It is inconceivable that projects are planned and implemented without comprehensive consideration of bulk infrastructure, which is central to providing quality human settlements,” said the committee’s chairperson, Nocks Seabi.
Seabi criticised the lack of planning and coordination.
DEELPAN RESIDENTS RAISE DEFECT CONCERNS IN HOUSING PROJECTS
Despite swift action in building emergency housing in Deelpan after a recent disaster, the residents highlighted housing defects.
The defects included a lack of bulk infrastructure.
As a result, the committee urged the government to fix the highlighted structural defects.
It instructed the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to fast-track the structural integrity assessment to address the outlined issues.
It also called for the local government to include bulk infrastructure services in phase two of the project development to phase out dry sanitation systems.
Moreover, the committee commended the local traditional leadership for providing land for the project, stating that cooperation of this kind should continue.
CALL FOR BETTER COORDINATION AND BULK INFRASTRUCTURE
Seabi reaffirmed the need for integrated planning to prevent residents from receiving houses without toilets, water or bulk services.
The committee wants the Department of Human Settlements, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and municipalities to work together in solving these issues.
Additionally, the committee continued its oversight in the Bojanala District Municipality, inspecting more housing development projects and monitoring access to water and sanitation.
