R1 billion housing project breaking new ground

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23-08-2024
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Diamond Fields Advertiser
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Work has begun on the R1 billion presidential housing project that is expected to fast-track the delivery of houses and clear backlogs in the Northern Cape.

WORK has begun on the R1 billion presidential housing project that is expected to fast-track the delivery of houses and clear backlogs in the Northern Cape.

Implementing agents have been appointed to oversee the construction of houses for the project that was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Roodepan, Kimberley, in January.

Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) spokesperson Tebogo Monyo said that 13 local municipalities throughout the five districts of the Northern Cape would benefit from the project.

“Coghsta has appointed Iceburg Brunnel joint venture and Bigen Africa as the implementing agents to oversee the entire project across the five districts in the Province,” said Monyo.

He stated that 18 contractors had been appointed to date and had completed site establishments.

“Work has commenced in earnest to fast-track housing delivery and address housing backlogs in the Province in a short space of time.”

Monyo added that 89 houses would be constructed in Diamond Park.

“So far 11 foundations have been laid. Construction has started in Santa.”

He stated that Malome Business Enterprise was constructing houses in Lerato Park, while Ellicidor 178 CC had begun construction in Jacksonville.

“There is a delay with the commencement of the Ganspan 71 construction because of the fluctuations in the water table levels that are caused by changes in precipitation between seasons,” he added.

Monyo said a total of 560 breaking new ground houses would be built in the Joe Morolong municipal area, with the contractors being introduced to the community last week.

“All contractors for the project in the Joe Morolong Municipality are expected to complete site establishments by Friday, August 23.”

He stated that communities in Gasehunelo-Wyk 5, Deurham, Loopeng, Padstow, Lotlhakajaneng, Segwaneng, Madibeng, Perth, Heuningvlei and Makhubung would benefit from the housing project.

“The contractors appointed for the project in the Joe Morolong Municipality are KSTO Holdings, Sidlaphi Kgomo and Associates, Zabest Properties and Molatebo Construction.”

Joe Morolong mayor Dineo Leutlwetse-Tshabalala urged communities to work with contractors and subcontractors to ensure the smooth running of the project.

“Contractors must not cut corners or make use of low-quality materials to build these houses because beneficiaries need houses that will last forever,” warned Leutlwetse-Tshabalala.

The MEC for Coghsta, Bentley Vass, advised contractors to avoid unnecessary delays.

“We will not tolerate shoddy workmanship or low-quality houses. The department continues to work hard within the budget limitations to ensure that the housing backlogs in the Province are addressed and that the target beneficiaries are allocated houses as per the policies of the government,” said Vass.