By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2024 November 2024- An elderly woman, Lydia Mere (84), who received a newly-built RDP house said she is over the moon to have shelter. Mere, who originates from the Soutpan Farms, but has been living in Maquassie Township for more than 30 years, was one of the beneficiaries who received keys to the newly built houses.
“I am currently staying with my son and husband. Our family survives on my social grant since no one in the house is employed. This is one of the best days of my life.
“I was beginning to worry that I may depart from this world without having a proper house. This is a legacy for my children,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Keletsame Serape (63) shared the same sentiments. Serape said she was born and raised in Leeubos farm, outside Wolmaranstad.
“I moved to Lebaleng with my family in the past 10 years. We are grateful that we know living in a proper decent house,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said: “We will continue with our quest to unblock blocked projects across the province. This was testament during the recent Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in Maquassi Hills, wherein the department handed over 4 houses to beneficiaries.
“We urge the beneficiaries to look after their houses and to use them for their intended purposes. We will terminate contracts of those contractors who underperform or abandon the projects.”
Molapisi further said this act institutes a major setback in the department’s mandate of providing houses to communities and it should be taken into serious consideration. He added that his department will assess the projects to determine what level of intervention is required to ensure the completion of the projects going forward.
“In addition, we visited two elderly families in Tswelelang Township, to present them with their title deeds. The other eight title deeds out of a total 1170, were handed over during the feedback session to their rightful beneficiaries.
“The remaining title deeds will be issued to the beneficiaries by the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality. The responsibility of the government is to ensure that the elderly, child-headed families and disabled people are prioritized,” said Molapisi.
He said their dignity is restored as it is stipulated in the Bill of Rights that all humans have the right to decent houses or living environment.
Molapisi was joined by the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, who donated food parcels to the families. The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism also planted trees for the beneficiaries, adding to the greening campaign by the department of Human Settlements.
The Guardian 