~ A R3, 5 billion integrated human settlement project, the first of its kind powered by a mix of energy sources that will serve as a model for vibrant, sustainable human settlements to be rolled across North West province was launched by Premier Thandi Modise in Mahikeng on Thursday. The Marang Housing development project will create employment and deliver 1 200 community residential units and 2 000 bonded houses over the next seven years. Speaking to journalists during the project site visit where she also laid bricks and planted trees as part of the Mandela Day, Premier Modise said the project is part of the revitalisation of the provincial capital and would assist in addressing the housing needs of resident. "We are very much excited about our first green housing development which brings together government and the private sector investment. We are confident and convinced that the people of the North West province, particularly those of Mahikeng would appreciate the effort that we are taking in restoring their dignity through decent housing," she said. Premier Modise said the project will among others solve student accommodation problems for students at the North West University Campus, Taletso FET College, meet the housing need of middle income earners who do not qualify for low cost housing and reduce high rate of unemployment. Human Settlement & Public Safety MEC, Nono Maloyi explained that the whole project in the area would consist of among other things, different types of houses ranging from low cost houses to bonded houses. He said a shopping mall, schools, clinic and recreational centers will be built to cater for the needs of the people in the area. "The intention of the project is to make sure that the gap between the rich and the poor is closed. We want to ensure that people have equal access to services that will be provided," Maloyi said. Project Director, Reggie Mutsi said that all professionals, sub-contractors, labourers and that most of material and resources used are being sourced from the province. Bricks are also manufactured at a brick factory situated at a local farm. He said the partnership with government is already bearing fruit for the people of the province by creating employment and equipping locals with skills. Premier Modise said the project is exactly what Tata Mandela would have wanted for the people of South Africa, She was joined by those on site in signing Madiba a Happy Birthday song. Modise emphasised that the project was a fitting tribute to celebrate the legacy of Mandela, who turned 95 on Thursday.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:51:32 +0000
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