Western Cape Human Settlements Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela on 2011 National Census Results

Media Statement by Bonginkosi Madikizela, Minister of Human Settlements

I am heartened by the 2011 National Census results which show that the Western Cape has the highest percentage of households in the country with access to piped water, at 99.1%, and the second highest percentage of households in the country with access to toilet facilities, at 96.9%. We are clearly on the right track when it comes to service delivery in the Western Cape.

With a population of 5.823 million, and 1.634 million households, there is an average of 3.56 people per household. Using the average of 3.56 people per household, there were still an estimated 52 400 people without access to piped water, and an estimated 180 500 people without access to toilet facilities in the Western Cape in 2011.

Considering that around 1.3 million people have moved to the Western Cape between 2001 and 2011, it means that the majority of people who moved to the Western Cape have gained access to the basic services of water and sanitation. This clearly shows that the Western Cape has the ability and will to deliver to all who choose to move here.

However, it is not acceptable that there were 52 400 people without access to piped water, and 180 500 people without access to toilet facilities in 2011. That is why I have chosen to lead the Department in a strategic direction to ensure that everyone in the Western Cape has access to basic services, according to the National Minimum Standards, by 2014.

Our budget allocation for Human Settlements delivery has been based on the 2001 population figures. The Western Cape population has grown by 1.3 million, or 29% in the ten years from 2001 to 2011, whereas the Human Settlements grant has not kept pace. I am hoping that the grants to the Western Cape will be increased in accordance to the population growth, so that people who most need them can get the services they deserve.  A 29% increase in budget would increase the Human Settlements grant from R1.725 billion to R2.225 billion. That extra R500 million could build an extra 5000 houses per year, at around R100 000 per house, or an extra 21 121 serviced sites at a cost of R23 673 each.

If the Western Cape has been able to deliver such a high level of services, with less than the budget rightfully due to them, then I am excited about what we can do when we have our rightful allocation.