Housing audit needed to address access, accountability
23 September 2016
Release: immediate
The DA welcomes a commitment by the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works to engage with the Health Department regarding the dilapidated historic houses in Dalham Road, Kimberley, that are attracting vandals and thieves to the area.
This comes after the DA yesterday, during the first quarterly presentation of the Roads and Public Works Department, queried the status of the houses, including whether there is any plan to renovate, utilize and secure the properties in question.
According to the department, the properties were allocated to the provincial Health Department and have yet to be surrendered back to the Roads and Public Works Department, which was since appointed as the custodian of all immovable properties.
It further came to light that it is the Health Department’s responsibility to budget for the maintenance of these properties until these houses are transferred back to the custodian department. Given the heritage status of these houses, strict regulations from South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) also govern any renovations to these houses, which further “complicates” the matter.
The DA sincerely hopes that the Dalham Road houses will not become a “ping-pong” ball exercise between the two departments, to the detriment of the community. This, as the houses are not only an eye-sore and are negatively affecting property values in the area, but are also placing local residents at increased risk of crime.
The DA eagerly awaits a written response from Roads and Public Works based on their deliberations with the Health Department on the Dalham Road matter.
Enough moss has gathered on these houses, it’s high time that the department gets the ball rolling in order to promote a safe and attractive environment.
Media Enquiries
Melinda Hattingh
DA Northern Cape Provincial Spokesperson of Roads & Public Works
082 494 6648
Shelley De Witt
Researcher
082 847 1387
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