Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Ntombi Mekgwe has warned a group of residents who are planning to invade the 200 hectares of the newly bought land in Kokosi, Fochville that their plan will never see the light of day. She said those with the intentions of invading the land should think again because they are going to be removed immediately.
Last year the department purchased the land at Kokosi extension 7 for R30 million to build houses for the residents of the area. MEC Mekgwe together with the Executive Mayor of Merafong, Maphefo Letsie, today visited Kokosi to mark the sod turning of a housing project that will deliver more than 3 000 houses upon completion.
Mekgwe told the residents that they are not going to fold their arms and allow people to invade the land after spending millions. “We know people think they are going to jump the queue by invading land. Also those who do not qualify for government housing subsidy may try to invade the land. We are not going to allow that to happen. This group of people must just abandon their plan because we are going to foil it,” said Mekgwe.
Last year the residents of Kokosi embarked in a violent service delivery protest demanding RDP houses.
MEC Mekgwe said they have appointed a contractor to install bulk infrastructure. “We have agreed with the contactor that the installation of bulk infrastructure should start urgently so that the construction of houses can be accelerated,” said MEC Mekgwe.
Mekgwe said the first phase of the project will consist of 500 houses. Mekgwe also mentioned that they have reached a deadlock for the land acquisition in extension 6. “Our legal team is dealing with the matter for a way forward. If things go our way we are also going to develop the area to build more houses for the residents,” said Mekgwe.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
