North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has announced wide-ranging infrastructure commitments aimed at restoring dignity, accelerating service delivery and stimulating local economic growth across the province.
Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Mahikeng on Thursday, Mokgosi outlined major investments in water, housing and road infrastructure as part of government’s broader development agenda.
R2.2 billion boost for water infrastructure
To fast-track equitable access to water, the Premier said nearly R300 million has already been spent on water and sanitation projects in Maquassi Hills, and the villages of Segakwaneng, Manamakgotheng, Pahalane, Makoshong in Moretele Local Municipality as well as Kokomeng, Khudutlou, Molelema and Longaneng in the Taung Local Municipality.
“An additional R1.9 billion has been set aside for ongoing bulk water supply projects in Madibeng, Ratlou, Mahikeng and Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipalities,” Mokgosi said.
The funding is expected to improve the reliability of supply and expand access to underserved communities.
Over R500 million committed to housing delivery
In the human settlements sector, more than R500 million has been committed for the construction of 1 148 housing units in Madibeng, Moses Kotane and Matlosana, where bulk infrastructure has also been installed in more than 1 800 sites.
“Progress is being registered and to date we have spent R30 million for the completion of 215 housing units which were abandoned by contractors, in areas such as Lethabong, Glodina, Sekhing and Kgomotso,” Mokgosi said.
The project will also extend to Tshweunyane village in Mahikeng, where a contractor was appointed in January.
The provincial government has further committed to spend 80% of the Human Settlements budget to complete all blocked housing projects in the province.
Mokgosi reaffirmed that the Smart and Mega Cities Programme remains a strategic priority, with the North West Housing Corporation leading implementation and driving delivery across the province.
Private-sector funding for the Mahikeng Student City has been secured, positioning the project to commence once outstanding land matters are resolved. Engineering designs have been finalised, rendering the project construction ready.
“The Mahikeng Student City alone is projected to unlock over 3 500 jobs, creating meaningful economic opportunities for SMMEs [small, medium, and micro enterprises], youth, women and persons with disabilities,” Mokgosi said.
In addition, R45 million has been allocated for asbestos roof removal in Madibeng, JB Marks, Mahikeng and Ditsobotla.
The province will also dispose of 288 government-built houses located on tribal land, prioritising current lawful occupants to ensure security of tenure. The properties are situated across the Bojanala, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati districts.
R1.6 billion for roads and transport corridors
The Premier noted that road infrastructure projects valued at more than R1.6 billion are underway in Phelindaba, Makwassie, Verdwaal and Ramokokastad to restore access, reconnect communities and stimulate local economies.
The long-awaited Nelson Mandela Drive upgrade in Mahikeng will resume, with a contractor expected on site in April.
“A contractor will be on site from April as we transition from compliance processes to visible construction,” Mokgosi said.
Over R700 million has also been allocated for rehabilitation of the Swartruggens–Magaliesberg corridor to strengthen freight and commuter transport links.
The project follows the successful completion of phase one, which included refurbishment of roads in and around Golf View suburb.
A similar road rehabilitation initiative has already been implemented in Koster in the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality.
Mokgosi said the infrastructure rollout will serve as a catalyst for job creation, improved mobility and sustained economic development across the province. – SAnews.gov.za
