All smiles as Mahumapelo turns sod for new houses in Khunotswana – Setsokotsane Programme
The first step towards full realisation of the promise made by the North West Provincial Government to build houses for Khunotswana residents was witnessed yesterday, Tuesday 25 November, as Premier Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo performed a sod turning to mark the official start of construction of 300 low cost houses.
Performed as part of Setsokotsane Programme which was taken to Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, this groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of one of the beneficiaries - a disabled Ms Maloka Mokgatlhe of Khunotswana village.
Premier Mahumapelo who was joined by MEC for Local Government and Human Settlement Collen Maine and Kgosi Ntasi Motlhoiwa of Khunotswana village, encouraged communities to embrace this housing project, as opportunities for local people to be employed will also be created.
“This ceremony is proof enough that your concerns and pleas regarding housing development did not fall on deaf ears. Our sincere request to you is to rally behind this project and ensure its success”, pleaded Mahumapelo who maintained that this will be another highlight in the Province’s human settlements delivery.
“I have no words to express my gratefulness at what has been done today; I cannot wait for that big day when my house keys will be handed over to me”, said the disabled Ms Maloka Mokgatlhe who is one of the beneficiaries.
Kgosi Motlhoiwa expressed the Khunotswana communities’ contentment at the provincial government’s swift reaction to the concerns they have raised early this year, saying “Indeed, ours is a people centred government that has the people’s best interest at heart. We welcome this project, and remain positive that the road project will also be prioritised,” said Kgosi Motlhoiwa.
As part of the day’s Setsokotsane activities, the Premier and MEC Maine held a meeting with residents of Groot Marico Extension 2 Township which is situated along the N4 road to Swartruggens, during which meeting 500 title deeds were presented as proof of ownership of the houses. The houses were built during the 2012/13 financial year and were handed over to the residents early this year.
“We continue to urge communities to guard against vandalism of properties built for them by government, and that they must instead own them with pride,” appealed Premier Mahumapelo.
Setsokotsane is a programme that seeks to accelerate delivery to services to people of the North West province, which has since its launch in Ngaka Modiri Molema District last month, reached various wards in all the district’s five local municipalities. In implementing the programme’s objectives, government resources are pulled together in an effort to eradicate poverty and create opportunities for local people to improve their lives.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana, Acting Provincial Head of Communication
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
