Former farmworkers some of whom are victims of the Skierlik racial shooting incident are to take ownership of their newly build houses. Human Settlements Minister, Tokyo Sexwale and North West Premier, Mme Thandi Modise are to handover the first phase of the Mazista/Skierlik Integrated Human Settlement outside Swartruggens to the proud beneficiaries on Thursday, 14 July 2011.
The residents of the farming community evicted from Koster/Swartruggens farming communities lived under inhuman conditions, and without basic amenities, since the establishment of the Skierlik informal settlement several years back.
The R51,6 million project initiated by the North West Provincial Government in partnership with Kgetleng Rivier Local Municipality to address housing needs of the community was stalled due to an interdict and protracted legal battle by local farmers.
The project targeted at building 500 low cost houses has since created jobs for the impoverished community and was accelerated after the Mmabatho High Court ruled in favour of the provincial government.
Provincial MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Mme Desbo Mohono says that the project is part of the Breaking New Ground housing delivery plan aimed at restoring the dignity of the previously marginalised, poor and homeless through the informal settlements eradication programme.
The plan intended at creating vibrant and sustainable human settlements with amenities on well-located land and a suitable and secure environment is currently breaking the old apartheid planning in housing delivery. It is enhancing the quality of life of informal settlement inhabitants so that they receive certainty and access to proper services.
MECs for Agriculture, Social Development, Women, Children and People with disabilities, the Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality and the Mayor of Kgetleng are to also handover food gardens and food parcels to needy families, child headed households and the aged at the event scheduled to commence at 10:00 am.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0420
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
