By BAKANG MOKOTO
8 March 2026- North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has acknowledged that several challenges have hindered progress in fulfilling the housing mandate in the province, including budget cuts, a growing housing backlog and stalled or blocked projects. Mokgosi, who was delivering the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA), told the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) that, despite these challenges, progress is being made.
“To date, the provincial government has spent R30 million to complete 215 housing units that were previously abandoned by contractors in areas such as Lethabong, Glaudina, Sekhing and Kgomotso.
“This intervention will be extended to Tshunyane village in Mahikeng, where a contractor was appointed in January. Moreover, the Department of Human Settlements has so far spent R1.2 billion of its total R1.3 billion budget allocation on multi-year housing projects,” he said.
Mokgosi highlighted that the government remains mindful of the push-and-pull factors shaping development in distressed mining towns, particularly the shortage of adequate housing. He further said in response, they have committed over R500 million towards the construction of 1148 housing units in Madibeng, Moses Kotane and the City of Matlosana Local Municipalities.
“Additionally, bulk infrastructure has been installed on more than 1800 sites. Regarding the eradication of asbestos roofs, the provincial asbestos removal programme is progressing well, with R43 million allocated for implementation in Madibeng, JB Marks, Mahikeng and Ditsobotla Local Municipalities.
“Underscoring the significance of ensuring security of tenure and orderly regularisation. The government will dispose of 288 state-owned houses built on tribal land, prioritising current lawful occupants,” added Mokgosi.
He said these properties are located across the Bojanala, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts. Mokgosi said the Department of Human Settlements has committed to spending 80% of its allocation on unblocking stalled projects, including multi-year developments across the province, the eradication of mud houses, military veterans’ housing, rural and urban housing projects, asbestos roof removal, bulk infrastructure installation, the title deeds programme and the resolution of blocked projects.
“The remaining 20% will be directed towards new housing developments,” said Mokgosi.
The Guardian 