The programme consists of the following functional areas:

• Office of the Head of Housing
• Housing planning and research
• Housing performance/subsidy programme Urban renewal and human settlement redevelopment
• Housing asset management and land administration

Situation Analysis

This province is characterised by a high demand for housing, as a consequence of homelessness, people living in informal settlements located in the periphery of industrialized urban areas and joblessness. The current housing policies have not been able to address realities on the ground hence a shift in the manner of delivery of the housing product/ package is required. The key challenge is to move beyond the provision basic shelter towards achieving a broader notion of sustainable human settlements [more efficient cities, towns and regions.

The ability of municipalities to deliver quality housing product has come under scrutiny a more vigorous approach from the department is required to enhance this capacity en able municipalities to satisfy the needs of their communities. The main challenge is assist the municipalities with project management capacity (Quality Control).

Whilst a considerable improvement with regards to the delivery aspect of housing development has taken place during the past financial year, a huge amount of effort is required to improve on the quality of the product. The department has appointed clerks of works and additional project managers to assist with the inspection of housing units to rove on quality. In addition, programmes aimed at strengthening the capacity of municipalities (especially those falling under Project Consolidate) to deliver on their ,date with respect to housing development, need to be instituted. This will ensure that municipalities are accredited to administer and implement national housing programmes.

A further challenge is to ensure the involvement of SMME's in housing development especially the vulnerable groups e.g. women, youth and the disabled as part of the National priority of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Programmes to capacitate these are in the pipeline, the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme EPWP) is one of such.

Policies, priorities and strategic objectives

Policies

The programme is engaged in a process of consolidating the plethora of housing policies to form an integrated provincial housing policy document which will include, inter alia, provision for Emerging Contractor Associations, Women in Construction, Youth in Construction, HIV /AIDS (e.g. child- headed households) etc.

To facilitate the creation of sustainable human settlements.

Strategic Objectives:

· To manage the development of housing planning, research and policy formulation.

· To facilitate, co-ordinate and monitor the implementation of national and provincial housing programmes.

· To facilitate urban renewal and human settlement redevelopment programmes

To administer housing asset, rental income and land related issues.

Th programme is characterised by a shortage of critical skills coupled with limited ability in ~me municipalities to administer housing development programmes.

• Capacity building within provincial and local government with respect to housing development
• Consumer Education in housing development
• Development and finalisation of policies to accommodate vulnerable groups (aged, AIDS orphans)
• Establishment of the Rental Housing Tribunal
• The phasing out of old housing dispensation programme
• Programme for housing development in emergency circumstances
• Finalisation of all blocked projects
• Close monitoring and inspection of housing products to ensure quality