Pretoria - Human Settlements Deputy Minister, Zoe Kota-Fredericks has praised the North West Local Government and Human Settlements Department for the successful implementation of a multi-million rand Marikana Housing project, which is at its final stages.
The Marikana Housing project is part of government’s initiative to revitalise old mining towns by developing integrated and sustainable human settlements to address a huge housing backlog.
The project is taking place on the 50 hectares of land donated by Lonmin.
Deputy Minister Kota-Frederick, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Labour Phatekile Holomisa, visited the construction site to inspect progress on the much awaited project, which is expected to house over 550 families.
The department appointed two contractors to build 12 blocks of Community Residential Units (CRU) and 292 Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses to the tune of R159 million at Marikana Ext 2.
Minister Zoe-Kota praised the department on the work done thus far, which she described as of good quality and high class
“I must say the work done here is very much impressive. This is one of the most remarkable housing projects the department has embarked on to revitalize mining towns. We can’t wait to come and hand over the project,” the Deputy Minister said.
Currently CRU’s in the form of six blocks of flats have been completed and are ready for occupation. The other six blocks are expected to be completed by the end of December.
The CRU’s will house 252 families and 292 BNG’s are expected to be completed by the end of January 2016. Currently Eskom is busy connecting electricity to the project. – SAnews.gov.za
