MAHIKENG MAIL-MAHIKENG: The promise made by North West Housing Corporation CEO, Bishop Sello Mogodiri to the Thupayagae family is bearing fruit.
The house that the entity is building for Esther Thupayagae and her children in Stadt Village near Lorwaneng is nearing completion. Speaking at the site of the house in Morutlwa (community council), Mogodiri said he was satisfied with the progress made on the construction of the new house.
“This is to prove that we don’t speak justice, we do justice,” said Mogodiri. “We do not speak housing we do housing. I did say before that I will resign if I do not fulfill this promise to the Thupayagae family. Today we are here to witness the promise I made.”
The Entity took a decision to replace Thupayagae’s falling mud house with one that exceeds the RDP standard, based on the requirements for safety, health, and quality of life. Mogodiri made a promise that the new house will be built and handed over to the family within the next 10 days. This is after the Mail newspaper published the story about the condition of the house.
Mogodiri said the management team of the Entity visited the site to assess the extent of the issue firsthand as per the instruction from the North West Premier, Hon. Kaobitsa Bushy Maape.
“We further consulted with the Premier to ensure that we could provide the most effective assistance possible,” Mogodiri said.
The community participated in building the house. The work force was pulled from three kgotlas (community councils) – Ramokoto, Rakukama and Morutlwa where the house is based. Twelve young people were employed with four skilled labourers coming from Ngaka Modiri Molema District.
“I am happy that my house is near completion. As you can see, the walls are up,” said Thupayagae. “The community engagement has given me hope that this is real. The feeling of seeing people you know helping out is indescribable.”
The new house has three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area, and two bathrooms with one attached to the main bedroom. This is an improvement on the two-bedroom house that was falling apart. Thupayagae said the contractor has promised that the construction on the house will be finished by Thursday next week (14 March).
“They will hand me the keys to my new house by then. So, I am happy to see this, and my family is also happy that finally after so many years, we will live in a structure that is secure. And this means a lot to me and the family,” said Thupayagae.
Mogodiri said the Entity understand the significance of helping Thupayagae and others like her in similar situations.
“It is our commitment to not only address immediate concerns but also to provide sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life for all members of our community. The Entity remains dedicated to its mission of providing sustainable housing and fostering a sense of belonging for all residents,” Mogodiri said.
