Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The MEC for NW Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi has expressed concern on various challenges which affect the living conditions of communities in the province. He called for the government to intervene and implement strategies to remove these challenges.
According to Molapisi, the department has completed provincial Informal Settlements Upgrading Strategy which is aligned with the National White Paper on Human Settlements. He said the informal settlements strategy will enable the upgrade of 219 informal settlements for full upgrading to phase three which will enable the commencement of informal settlements upgrading projects.
“This upgrading program follows three critical phases, that is land acquisition, formalization of land rights; and phase three which is the installation of essential services (water, sewer, roads and storm water).These phases are linked to the identification of the priority services in informal settlements,” he added. MEC Molapisi mentioned that in the financial year 2024/25 his Department had upgraded seven settlements, namely in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati- Mamusa, Amalia Ext 5, Dr Kenneth Kaunda- Maquassie Hills, Wolmaranstad Ext 17 & 19, Lebaleng Ext 6, Matlosana Kanana Ext 17, and Bojanala- Rustenburg, Popo Molefe and Mbeki Sun to Phase 3 and managed to deliver 2 504 units through the Informal Settlement Upgrading Partnership Grant.
“For the current financial year, the department has planned to deliver 2 257 service sites, at a total budget of R166 567 170 m.”
Furthermore, he highlighted that the remaining funds will be allocated to land acquisition and formalization in priority areas. Molapisi emphasised that the Department is committed in transforming informal settlements into thriving communities and to prioritise housing and to implement a long-term plan for societal changes as this would leave lasting and positive impact in the lives of our communities.
