Picture: Some of the beneficiaries during the hand over/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi said the process of unblocking housing projects across the province is unfolding. Maloyi said the commitment was made during the first and the second phase of Thuntsha Lerole, which is an Accelerated Service Delivery Program.
“The community of Ventersdorp is one of many that continues to receive houses on a daily basis as contractors are on the ground completing projects that were blocked due to challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The housing project in Ventersdorp consists of 360 units, which started in 2019 at Toevlug. The project could not be completed because of the wetland and other construction challenges,” he said.
Maloyi further said they have also handed over eight title deeds to the community of Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom. He added that the remaining 801, will be collected by residents at municipality offices.
“Our department is implementing a title deeds restoration project in collaboration with the National Department of Human Settlements, with the aim to eradicate the current backlog in the transfer of pre-1994 properties into the names of beneficiaries,” he said.
Maloyi said the handing over of houses and title deeds formed part of Thuntsha Lerole, Accelerated Service Delivery Programme held in Ventersdorp in the JB Marks Local Municipality, where Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembisile Nkadimeng, Minister of Unemployment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, MECs and Heads of Departments (HoD) where part.
“Government is committed to delivering services to everyone in the province. We do this as it is according to the contract we signed with the people of the North West. Through the Thuntsha Lerole programme, we are more determined to fast track the delivery of services to every community in the province. We do this because we are a caring government,” said Maloyi.
Meanwhile, amongst beneficiaries were a widower, Morageng Seleka (72), who lives with his four children and two grandchildren. Seleka has been staying in Ikageng Township for over 20 years.
“I am happy that my children have a home,’’ he said.
Another beneficiary, Abel Jonkers (90), who is a grandfather of two, shared the same sentiments. Jonkers could not contain his emotions when he received the keys to his house.
“I am now happy that my dream of having a house of my own has come true. I come from Rietfontein Farms and stay with my two unemployed grandchildren and one great grandchild. My family survives through social grants money.
“I am happy that I have a decent home where I am going to live happily with my children. I would like to thank the department for their good gesture,” he said.
Mmamokete Molusi (71), who is also a beneficiary, said she comes from Kliplaasdrift Farm and stays with her two grandchildren and one grandchild. Molusi said they also depend on social grants for survival.
“I am grateful that the department gave me the house of which I have been waiting for,” she said.
TaungDailyNews 