Mohlakeng
26 October 2006
The once controversial housing project has finally taken off the ground. The
Mohlakeng housing project in Extension seven and eight was brought to a halt
after residents of bonded houses near the area where the Reconstruction
Development Programme (RDP) houses were to be constructed, demolished toilets
meant for the development of low cost houses in the area.
The owners of the bonded houses complained that the toilets would result in
the beneficiaries of the RDP houses erecting shacks, leading to the
depreciation of their house value.
After careful consideration the department agreed that the type of houses to
be built will not compromise the value of the bonded houses.
It is against this background that today Gauteng Housing MEC Ms Nomvula
Mokonyane together with West Rand and Randfontein Local Municipality will be
handing over 60 title deeds of the 1 000 houses in Mohlakeng.
The 60 title deeds will be handed to identify beneficiaries born between
1914 and 1939.
The houses have roof tiles and not the usual corrugated iron sheets. This
gives the houses an upmarket look, which will blend in with the more expensive
houses next door. The project is significant in the sense that it allows both
communities to live together in accordance with government's social integration
plan.
Additional houses are to be built for those still residing in the informal
settlement or applicants who have been on the waiting list from 1996 until
1998.
Initially 800 houses were supposed to have been built. However, due to
blue-gum trees in the area about 120 stands were lost. Efforts to engage other
stakeholders such as the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), for
the removal of these trees to make way for the construction of the 120 houses
are underway.
As one of the identified 20 Prioritised Township, Mohlakeng will also
benefit from this programme that seeks to rehabilitate the identified
townships.
As a result, the department of housing has appointed four learner
contractors to build roads at Mohlakeng Extension seven and eight. Classes have
already started and an amount of R500 000 has been set aside for practical
training. It is expected that all contractors must complete the project by the
end of the financial year.
Enquiries:
Victor Moreriane
Cell: 082 561 3768
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 083 602 6169
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
26 October 2006
