Potchefstroom – MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, delivered a stern warning against poor performing developers during a community meeting on Friday, where he officially introduced the three developers tasked with constructing 1075 Breaking New Ground (BNG) units in Ikageng Extension 13.
The project which is valued at over R230 million and set to break ground in April 2026, promises to be a game-changer for the community, eradicating informal settlements by replacing them with secure, decent homes by December 2027.
The three appointed contractors were introduced to the community by MEC Molapisi, who was accompanied by the acting Executive Mayor of JB Marks Local Municipality Ishmael Moilwa, councillors and officials from both the municipality and the department.
During the meeting, MEC Molapisi announced that the department will closely monitor their performance throughout the duration of the project. He emphasised that the department will not hesitate to terminate their contracts should they fail to meet the agreed completion timelines. He further advised them to enlist additional capacity where necessary to ensure that the project is completed on schedule.
MEC Molapisi indicated that the department has experienced challenges in the past with contractors who abandon projects or deliver poor-quality work. He said in order to address this challenge, the department has resolved to implement a strict milestone-
based payment system, where contractors are paid according to the work they have completed.
“If you fail to deliver, the department will be left with no option but to terminate the contract and appoint a new contractor to complete the job,” he said. He also urged community members to cooperate with the contractors and ward councillors to prevent any disruptions which could delay the project.
“We have appointed three developers, two of whom are women and one man. This forms part of our deliberate effort to meet the 40% target for women-owned companies in government projects. By appointing women developers, we do not only achieve the target but we also contribute towards the empowerment of women in the construction sector’’, he said. He further emphasised that residents of Ikageng must be prioritised for local job opportunities throughout the duration of the project.
MEC Molapisi reaffirmed the department’s commitment to prioritise vulnerable groups, including women, older persons, child-headed households, and persons with disabilities, when allocating houses to beneficiaries.
Ends#
Issued by the Department of Human Settlements (North West)
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