Bethlehem residents have underscored the need for the effective implementation and stronger enforcement prescripts within the Housing Consumer Protection Bill to ensure that the Bill achieves its intended objectives. These views were expressed during the second of three public hearings in the Free State which forms part of a nationwide public participation programme the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements is undertaking to garner public views on the Bill.
The poor track record of implementing progressive laws was raised as a reason why some participants were sceptical about the Bill. Despite this, there was overwhelming support for the Bill especially the intention to protect consumers and ensure compliance with building standards. Residents also called for the Bill to be explicit about enforcement processes to be followed especially considering the many financial challenges faced at the local government level particularly in struggling rural municipalities.
Similarly, the role of inspectors at all levels of government was highlighted as a key consideration which the Bill must strengthen. There were concerns that building inspections remain largely non-existent, especially in rural communities and this undermined adherence to regulated building standards. As a result, residents proposed the inclusion of a penalty clause against inspectors who fail to execute their duties because this undermined the building standards.
Some participants also called for the Bill to protect local home builders through reserving home building contracts for South African owned businesses. Meanwhile, participants welcomed the intention of the Bill to provide training to Small and Medium Enterprises as this has the potential to unlock transformation within the construction industry.
Participants expressed the hope that the Bill will ensure the development of better quality RDP houses, especially in the face of a track record of substandard houses given to beneficiaries.
The committee will hold the last scheduled hearings in the Free State at Falesizwe Secondary School Hall in Frankfort.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
