16 land deals in DA-led WC under Special Investigating Unit scrutiny

ALLEGATIONS of inflated prices on land purchased for housing projects in several provinces have prompted the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to investigate 16 land deals in the Western Cape.

- NICOLA DANIELS

The SIU on Friday briefed the Portfolio Committee on the status of its investigation into serious maladministration in the affairs of the Housing Development Agency (HDA) and provincial human settlements departments, an inquiry expected to be finalised by June next year.

So far, a list of over 100 transactions are to be investigated across eight provinces. The transactions under investigation so far include 16 in the Western Cape; two each in Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape; 17 in the Free State; 25 in Gauteng; 37 in the North West; and five in the Northern Cape.

While investigations are still underway, chief national investigations officer Zodwa Xesibe noted that several key findings have already emerged. These include that the price of land had risen alarmingly, from reasonable valuations to severe overpricing and much of the land purchased remains unused.