BY OBAKENG MAJE

Celebrations for Women’s month in August came a bit early for four elderly women in Ipelegeng township near Schweizer Reneke in Mamusa local municipality, after they received title deeds for their houses last week.

The handing over of these title deeds also coincided with the provincial government’ service delivery programme, Setsokotsane which is intended to bring government services closer to communities throughout the Province.

One of the recipients, Thethane Ntshilo (81), a pensioner,  widower and mother of seven, had been staying in a one room dilapidated house, said getting a title deed meant that her children ‘’will at least a place to call their own long after I am gone’’.  We are very happy to finally receive these title deeds, finally I know for sure that the house I live in is mine. I would like to thank the Department for giving me a house,” said Thethane.

Matshekiso Julie (56), a mother of six, who had been staying in a two roomed house, shared Thethane’s sentiments. “Nothing beats the feeling of finally owning a decent house that is registered in your name. I will now be able to continue with my life knowing that my children will never be destitute again because they now have a place to call home”, said Julie.

MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements, Collen Maine said by issuing out title deeds, the Department ensures that beneficiaries are able to raise their families where these is security and comfort and have a sense of ownership.

Meanwhile, MEC Maine also met with members of the community to afford them an opportunity to raise their concerns about general service delivery in the area. Most of the issued that were raised by the community ranged from illegal occupation of houses, houses that have structural defects and people who are unduly prioritised on the housing beneficiary list.

MEC Maine warned that cases of government officials who own RDP houses will be dealt with. He also warned the community against renting out their house for business purposes. “We will send out officials to register beneficiaries and this will purely be done to ensure that only those who are eligible, can benefit. In the meantime, we urge the community to be patient with us.  We have heard all your problems and we will be attending to them in due time, do not be afraid to report illegal occupation of houses, we need to stamp out corruption. We have a programme deal with rectifications and we will be sending a team to deal with all the problems that you are facing’’, he further stated.

-TDN

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