BY REGINALD KANYANE
LOCAL Government and Human Settlements department has rolled out a campaign to issue out title deeds to confirm home ownership to residents. The campaign was recently intensified when 360 title deeds were issued to home owners in Groot Marico under Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality.
North West local development and human settlements department MEC Fenny Gaolaolwe said 600 units were recently completed in Groot Marico. Gaolaolwe handed out 360 title deeds to rightful beneficiaries.
“It was a great honour to provide the beneficiaries in Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality with their title deeds. We believe there is nothing more empowering than owning an asset. These beneficiaries now have proof of ownership of their houses which is the necessary evidence for them to be able to leverage this asset.
“We urge the residents of Groot Marico not sell their houses to anybody as it remains illegal to do so. We also engaged with applicants were most of them were under the age of 25. We requested them not apply for houses but rather ask clarity on how best can the department be of assistance in getting bursaries for them to pursue through higher education,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries Ester Khethene, 50 of Groot Marico who has been staying with her family lauded the department.
Gaolaolwe further said a noticeable difference has been made into the lives of disadvantaged people in Bokone Bophirima. She said housing development provides underprivileged people with decent shelter which restored their dignity and provided them with security and comfort.
“However, the legality of home ownership of government subsidized Breaking New Ground housing units remained a thorn to owners and posed certain challenges.”
“I am grateful and highly appreciate what the department has done. I really never thought that one day I will have this title deed like many other residents. Getting a title deed was being offered a level of freedom and opportunity,” Khethene said.
The Guardian 