4 November 2025- The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) said a Yellow Level 2 Warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms in different parts of the province. The department said thunderstorms that could lead to localized flooding especially in low-lying areas, roads and bridges may occur.
The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi said localised flooding may cause damage to infrastructure, informal settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock. Molapisi said residents are advised to exercise extreme caution as the wet weather conditions continue.
“Motorists and pedestrians are also advised not to cross flooded roads and bridges. Those living in low lying areas must continue to monitor the water levels and relocate if the situation worsens. Disaster Management Teams in all our municipalities in the province are on high to respond to any eventuality,” he said.
Picture: The Project Steering Committee members during the side visit to one of the houses currently under construction at Bapong/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) said it will continue to address challenges previously experienced in the Military Veterans Housing Programme. The department had a feedback session with the steering committee of the Military Veteran’s Project, which aimed at addressing the backlog in the construction of the houses for Military Veterans.
The Deputy Director responsible for Housing Development, Orapeleng Tabile said the programme is one of the initiatives that the department in collaboration with National Department of Military Veterans, National Department of Human Settlements and Municipalities is rolling out through the identification of beneficiaries from the database and allocation of sites, where the houses will be constructed.
Tabile acknowledged the backlog and pointed out that the department has already built six houses in Mabele-a-Podi and Bapong villages respectively. He said the department has also built houses in Ganyesa and Lethabong in Rustenburg.
“These houses will be completed and handed over to beneficiaries before the end of the year. The contractor is currently on site and promised to deliver on time. The officials of the department will continue to monitor and give reports back about progress made.
“Despite challenges faced by the department, we intend to construct 86 Military Veterans’ houses in the province for the current financial year. The department will comply with policy governing the Military Veterans Housing Programme in terms of projects rolled out,” he said.
The National Department of Human Settlements representative, Jacky Mamabolo advised the provincial department to ensure that they have more projects so that they can deal with the backlog.
“The department must ensure that they extend the scope of work to existing contractors rather than appointing new contractors to avoid delay and under-performance. Appointment of new contractors takes a long time because it is a process and this causes unnecessary delay,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries identified was Mosiiwa Sekhutle (61), who worked for the former Bophuthatswana Defence (BDF) for a period of ten years and later joined the South African Defence Force (SANDF) for three years.
“I am happy because I have been living in my family home and I cannot wait to have a place of my own. This is a legacy for my children,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Daniel Mandlane shared the same sentiments. Mandlane also worked for former BDF and SANDF.
“I am married with three children and was born and bred in Bapong village. I would like to thank the government for building a house for me and my family. I never thought I would see this day, I am really thankful,” he said.
The Guardian 