To reduce the title deeds collection backlog, the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality wants to go digital to create an online verification system that housing beneficiaries can use to track progress.
The first step was taken at a human settlements committee meeting on Thursday where the move was approved.
It will now head to the council for final approval.
The city has been grappling with hundreds of uncollected title deeds for years, and instead of the backlog decreasing as houses are built, the collection has been stagnant.
An app is envisaged to allow beneficiaries to check their title deed progress through a seamless verification of their details.
A report tabled at the meeting states that the city’s IT division investigated the possibility of an app and requested the social housing division to provide a business case on how this could be achieved.
“This system will not only allow external people to access the status of their documents but will also provide seamless reporting for officials on title deeds backlogs, and issued to beneficiaries,” the report by land planning and management director Sikhumbuzo Lukashe says.
EFF councillor Pepsi James welcomed the initiative but raised concerns about the elderly who did not have access to smartphones or know how to use them.
“When you conduct public participation for this initiative, do not leave ward councillors behind so that those who don’t have smartphones can visit the councillor offices for [verbal] explanation.”
ANC councillor Bulelani Matenjwa said it was a progressive move.
“They often have to travel to inquire about the status of their title deeds, which is not always easily possible.
“We also need to note that this will be the second app from this department, we already have the housing registration process app.”
DA councillor Masixole Zinto said the party supported the initiative.
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