In a promising turn of events for the residents of North West, the MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, Nono Maloyi, expressed optimism as the department makes significant strides in unblocking 76 projects, translating to over 8 000 housing units. As the current financial year unfolds, Maloyi's department has already achieved over 60 percent of the set target, with more than 5 000 housing units successfully completed and handed over to beneficiaries.
The ambitious initiative to unblock stalled projects has become a beacon of hope for residents like Maserame Phoshodi (54) and Sana Tshweu (62) of Alabama Ext 5 in the City of Matlosana, who have patiently awaited the completion of their homes for several years due to project blockades. The recent Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, “Thuntsha Lerole”, conducted weekly across different municipalities, has proven to be a game-changer, allowing beneficiaries to finally receive the keys to their long-awaited homes. The joy and relief etched on the faces of Phoshodi and Tshweu were palpable as the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the symbolic handover of their house keys.
Tshweu, expressing her gratitude, said: "We were almost in despair, without hope that our houses were ever going to be completed. Today I’m proud to move from the shack I have been staying in, into a proper house. I’m so grateful to the government for restoring my dignity and ensuring that my descendants will have a place they can call home."
Maloyi remains resolute in his commitment to addressing the housing crisis in North West, promising to continue pushing officials and contractors to ensure that every resident has a roof over their head. He said: "The core mandate of the department is to facilitate the creation of sustainable human settlements and improved quality of household life in communities." The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the housing backlog, but the department is determined to bridge the gap by reaching its ambitious targets.
To bolster the unblocking of projects, Maloyi has appointed a dedicated team of officials to collaborate closely with municipalities. Through weekly progress reports, he gains confidence in the positive developments emerging from various blocked projects. The proactive measures taken by the department are poised to not only alleviate the immediate housing crisis but also to fortify the foundations of sustainable human settlements for the future.
Maloyi recognizes the need for quality assurance in the construction process, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic. "The Covid-19 period created a huge gap in our housing backlog. We will strive on ensure that we reach our target as soon as possible. Where we need to rebuild, we will do so through our agencies such as NHBRC, to ensure the quality of the houses we build. As the department, we are adamant that we will have achieved our targeted number to eradicate blocked projects as promised," he affirmed.
As the North West Government continues its relentless pursuit of eradicating housing project blockades, the tangible impact on the lives of residents reflects a significant step towards fulfilling the promise of providing secure and dignified housing for all.
