In response to section 26 of the South African Constitution, 1996, which enshrines the right of everyone to have access to adequate housing; the North West Department of Human Settlements has handed over more than 200 houses to the deprived families from extension three and eight in Mogwase in the Moses Kotane local municipality over the weekend.
The families that benefited have been living in inhabitable areas next to the local railway line without basic services.
Addressing hundreds of people who were gathered to witness this significant event, MEC for the Department, Desbo Mohono said the Mogwase housing project, which will benefit over thousand people, is part of the provincial government’s initiative to deal with the estimated 4 000 housing backlog in the province.
“My department has a responsibility to provide houses to our people, many of whom are poor and unemployed,” said Mohono. She urged municipalities to give first preference to older people when registering beneficiaries for houses.
“These are our grandfathers and grandmothers and we need to give them the respect they deserve.”
Mohono urged beneficiaries to take care of their houses and give them value by planting trees, grass and establish small gardens. She further sent a strong warning to beneficiaries who receive houses and later turn them into businesses or rent them out to foreigners.
“Some people rent out their houses or turn them into businesses like tuck shops and taverns. Others give them to their grandchildren and then return to their old shacks or mud house they’ve been living in”.
She warned that her department would work closely with municipalities across the province to monitor such behaviour and anyone found to have transgressed the law with be dealt with accordingly.
Giving words of gratitude to the government in ensuring a better life for all, the 45 year old Dimakatso Sengwetso from extension eight said it was the most remarkable and memorable day in her entire life.
“I’ve always wanted to have my own house but I couldn’t afford to buy or build myself one because of I am unemployed. Today is a dream come true and I can’t even believe it.” said the joyful Sengwetso who has been living with her husband and kid in a two roomed shack since her arrival in Mogwase in 2002.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Cell: 082 578 4063
Tel: 018 391 0420
