North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Ms Desbo Mohono, has read the riot act to contractors who are delivering substandard low cost houses and shoddy work, that her department will not hesitate to blacklist them in the province and nationally, so that they are not contracted to do work for government. The warning was conveyed at the first district housing delivery turnaround plan road show held in Taung, in the North West Province on Tuesday.
MEC Mohono said that, her department will either scale down or terminate non performing contractors as part of accelerating delivery of 5225 houses spread across Dr Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality, for which R274 million has been budget for this financial year.
Mohono informed Kagisano-Molopo Mayor, Councillor Ontlametse Mochware, that dolomite investigations have been finalised and the site in Tosca declared safe for construction of 1 000 housing units to commence. The project which is part of “Thuntsha Lerole-Kick the dust” turnaround plan, is intended at alleviating the plight of farmworkers who are currently staying in plastic shacks.
Other new projects announced by the MEC include the construction of 1 000 housing units in Bloemhof Ext 5, Bray, construction of additional 500 units spread across Mamusa Local Municipality, construction of additional 250 houses for the homeless and poverty stricken Manthe villagers in Greater Taung Local Municipality.MEC Mohono accompanied by Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane of Batlhaping Ba-Ga-Maidi and Mayor Kaone Lobelo.
The Executive Mayor of Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Councillor Elvis Tladinyane, in appreciating the fruitful interaction said that the session gave municipalities hope and foresight to plan for bulk services.
Contractors expressed support and optimism that the minimum of 150 housing units per month, set by the department to accelerate housing delivery in line with the turnaround plan, is achievable on condition that their claims for payment are processed speedily. Mohono has promised support and consistent work to performing contractors.
The road shows with municipalities and contractors which are to continue to other districts in the province, are aimed at strengthening partnership to ensure that the projects yield targeted job opportunities, set housing targets are met without compromise on quality, roles are clarifiedand that early warning and monitoring systems are in place for accelerated housing delivery and prompt intervention.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: (018) 391 0140
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: (018)381 0328
Email: Lkgwele@nwpg.gov.za
