By The Brandwag Social Housing project in Bloemfontein has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, ranging from rent amounts, confusion on which account to pay rent in and a dilapidated building and its sewer system.
Residents of the Brandwag housing project have over the years been complaining about the conditions they are living in, with sewer spillage in the complex going unattended, refuse not collected and people who do not qualify staying at the flats and different accounts from different people to deposit their rent in.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung Metro is calling on the revitalization of the housing project so that it can fulfil its original obligation of providing housing and security for the people the metro.
DA Councillor Ms Corize van Rendsburg says the Brandwag Social Housing Project in Mangaung Metro Municipality was initially envisioned as a beacon of hope to deliver affordable housing and a secure environment for the residents. She says regrettably, due to mismanagement and oversight failures, this vision faltered, leaving many Mangaung residents without the secure homes they desperately need.
“Launched in the early 2000s with ambitious goals of urban renewal, the Brandwag social housing project has not met its aspirations despite significant financial investments from ratepayers. The Free State Social Housing Company (FRESHCO), tasked with its implementation, faced numerous challenges including financial difficulties, allegations of mismanagement and fraud, and struggles in securing long-term funding for maintenance and expansion.
The Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) intervened by placing FRESHCO under administration in 2019. While some housing units were initially constructed, the project’s overarching goal of large-scale revitalisation remains unrealised,” said van Rendsburg.
“In stark contrast, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has demonstrated a robust commitment to addressing housing challenges across municipalities. Projects like Pelican Park and Constitution Street Social Housing in Cape Town, Fleurhof in Johannesburg, Mahube Valley Extension in Tshwane, and Joe Slovo Housing Project in Nelson Mandela Bay exemplify the DA’s dedication to improving living conditions through sustainable urban planning and community integration,” she continued.
Cllr Corize Rendsburg says the opposition party remains concerned over the Brandwag Social Housing project and calls for a fair treatment of tenants, and further calls for either the retention of current tenants or a transparent process of re-applications that will prioritize or favour tenants who have a history of paying their rent timeously.
“The DA underscores the importance of quarterly progress reports to monitor and ensure project advancement. Addressing the urgent need for affordable, safe housing near economic centres requires decisive leadership and collective action. The DA reiterates its commitment to upholding dignity, ensuring security, and protecting the rights of all Mangaung residents through inclusive, sustainable housing solutions,” concluded Cllr Corize van Rendsburg.
