IN CONVERSATION WITH EVERT DU PLESSIS

The Montrose Mega City housing project in Rand West City was launched in 2017 as a flagship R11 billion developments aimed at helping to address Gauteng’s housing backlog and provide affordable housing opportunities to residents. The project was intended to form part of the province’s broader strategy to tackle housing shortages and create integrated human settlements. However, concerns have been raised over the project’s progress, with reports indicating that large sections of the development have been left incomplete and have fallen into disrepair. Critics argue that years of delays, inadequate maintenance, and a lack of effective project management have resulted in the site deteriorating, despite significant public investment. The Democratic Alliance has repeatedly warned that abandoned or stalled housing developments are vulnerable to illegal occupation, vandalism, and criminal activity, which can further increase the costs of completing projects and delay the delivery of housing to intended beneficiaries. The oversight inspection seeks to assess the current condition of the Montrose Mega City development, determine the extent of the deterioration, and evaluate the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements’ management of the project. The visit also comes amid ongoing concerns about housing delivery, accountability, and the efficient use of public funds in Gauteng’s human settlements sector. The DA leadership attending the inspection is expected to highlight the challenges facing the project and outline proposals to ensure that housing developments are completed and protected from further decline. Instagram · Twitter