Challenges facing Thulamela Local Municipality in the provision of houses at Lambani community

Abstract

The study is based on the challenges facing Thulamela Local Municipality in the provision of houses at Lambani Community. Housing is one of the most important life components giving shelter, safety, and warmth, as well as providing a place to rest. Housing is important as it satisfies different human needs. The demand for provision of housing in South Africa has enormously increased in the past decade. The study chose mixed method approach which both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. The reason for using a mixed research method is because it can be integrated in such a way that qualitative and quantitative methods retain their original structures and procedures. For research design the study used descriptive research design. For this study, the researcher used a non-probability sampling and its subtype, purposive sampling method to select the respondents for the study. The study used purposive sampling method which is based entirely on the judgment of the study regarding the characteristics of the participants. Two data collection instruments were used, namely; research questionnaire and interview. Primary data and self-written report were used. The reason for selecting structured questionnaire and open-ended interview schedule was because the study wanted to get relevant information about the study. Pilot study was conducted. Statistical analysis and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Research ethics were followed when conducting the study at Lambani Community. Most respondents discovered that the community stakeholder does not have good working relationship with the municipality. The majority of the respondents revealed that backlogs of housing demands affect the municipality’s ability to provide houses in the community. The findings revealed that there is lack of control measures to ensure proper housing provision at Lambani community. The study found that there is lack of skills and capacity to provide houses. The findings also point to instances of corruption and nepotism in the provision of houses. The study revealed that there is lack of transparency and effective communication between the municipality and community members. The study recommends that the municipality should maintain good working relationship with community stakeholders so that they can provide houses. The researcher recommends that there should be a clear control and good governance. The study suggests that there should be a consultation between the community members and Integrated Development Plan (IDP). It is recommended that the municipal officials should be trained on the service delivery. There still need of attention by municipalities and responsible stakeholders to provide good governance. The study found that there is no transparency and fairness in the provision of houses in the community. The study recommends that there should be implementation of Batho Pele principles in the municipality. The research further recommends that there should be communication and community awareness regarding the provision of houses.