Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on Friday launched a R430 million bulk infrastructure project and handed over 445 title deeds to rightful beneficiaries at Moqhaka Local Municipality in the Free State.
The bulk infrastructure project for Maokeng Extension 10 and 13, will yield 5300 serviced stands to benefit locals and this also include sites for public amenities like schools and recreational facilities.
The Minister, together with Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, MEC for Cooperative Governance Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Ketso Makume and Mayor of Moqhaka Local Municipality, Cllr Ellis Mokatsane also interacted with communities on service delivery interventions, cautioning contractors who do not finish their work and leave projects incomplete.
“The worst scenario is if you take the money and do not complete the work, it disadvantages communities who must benefit,” said Minister Kubayi.
“Some contractors fail to complete projects because of criminal elements who demand money from them and disrupt the implementation of projects. We are pleased the security cluster has come on board to rid the sector of these criminal elements. Communities must work with government as the security cluster continues to be seized with resolving this untenable situation of project disruptions,” added the Minister.
The bulk infrastructure project commencement will provide a huge financial injection to the Municipality. This will be in the form of labour, procurement of materials, diesel, and hiring of plant machines. As part of local economic development, 30% of the value of the project will be spent on local subcontractors
Following the launch of the R430 million bulk infrastructure project, the delegation proceeded to Constantia Hall in Kroonstad’s Maokeng Township for an engagement with the community and handed over 435 title deeds to the rightful beneficiaries. This is part of a campaign by the Department of Human Settlements to give back dignity by fast-tracking the issuing of title deeds to the rightful owners.
One of the title deeds beneficiaries, Ms Dolly Phohlela (68), expressed her gratitude saying: “I am very happy to have received my title deed, I have been living in my house since 2016 and this document now proves that I am the owner of the house. I want to thank my ward councillor for assisting me with the process.”
The main obstacle hindering the delivery of title deeds to beneficiaries is the township establishment. Minister Kubayi encouraged the municipalities to state their problems in the planning process as they delay the issuing of titles..
Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Ketso Makume, re-emphasised commitment to clear all backlogs adding that a title deed “restores peoples dignity, confirms the ownership of a property”.
“To many, it gives hope to your children that they will have a home to live in even when you pass on and lastly it also a means giving our people the land,” he added.
Minister Kubayi also called on councillors to interact with their communities, citing an agreement with Mayor Mokatsane that, all ward councillors will in the next two weeks call community meetings to talk to the people about developments in their areas. Communities were urged to attend these sessions to voice their grievances.
Media Enquiries, contact
Hlengiwe Nhlabathi-Mokota
Spokesperson
Cell: 064 754 8426
E-mail: hlengiwe.nhlabathi@dhs.gov.za
Athenkosi Mabona
spokesperson of MEC Makume
Cell: 082 443 9749
Dika Kheswa
Head of Communications Moqhaka Local Municiplaity
Cell: 073 501 2176
