LOCAL government and human settlements MEC Fenny Gaolaolwe handed over a number of houses to residents in villages near Taung at the weekend. Gaolaolwe used the opportunity to warn contractors that her department would continue to monitor housing development projects.

“We will continue to monitor all projects implemented by our department. As the government, we have realised that there some were lethargic concerning some projects.

“We are completing the housing project in Taung. The 500 houses units were built and delayed but the contractor promised that he would complete the project by September.

“We visited Mogopela A, Nhole and Khudutlou villages. We aim to reduce poverty and inequality among our people.

“The local government and human settlements department is working tirelessly to make sure that all our deserving residents, especially our elderly, receive houses. We will continue to improve their lives,” Gaolaolwe said.

One of the beneficiaries is Onewang Tlhase from Nhole village. Tlhase stayed in a oneroomed mud house and is turning 106 years old today. She received a furnished house and groceries from the government.

“I am very grateful for the house and want to thank the government. I have been sleeping in a mud house for a very long time. Today I can proudly say that our government has the interests of its people at heart.

“Our children are unemployed. Poverty and inequality leads to social-economic challenges.

“We know Taung is predominately rural and having basic service delivery is imperative. We appreciate the house and hope the government continues to improve the lives of the people,” Tlhase said.

Another beneficiary, Shadrack Thibe from Mogopela A village, said he was happy to leave his one-roomed structure for a proper house. Housing project contractor Floyd Ngwana said they were working tirelessly to make sure the people finally received their houses.

“We will work hard and make sure the housing project is completed. We believe with competent employees we will achieve our target. The project is expected to be completed in September,” Ngwana said.

Greater Taung local municipality mayor Kaone Lobelo said they would continue to work closely with the local and human settlements department. He said even though they had received complaints in the past, there were staggering improvements regarding the backlog.

“We are fighting a backlog on the housing projects. Our people need more houses and as the municipality we will make sure that we improve their lives.

“We have been working together with the local government and human settlements department. We will continue to work hard to make sure we remove them from abject poverty,” Lobelo said.
Courtesy: http://www.thenewage.co.za