North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has praised the Department of Human Settlements for the
completion of the Ruigtesloot Housing Project. Premier Mokgosi who was accompanied by MEC for
Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Gaoage Oageng Molapisi and
Moretele Local Municipality Mayor Cllr George Manyeke recently visited the area to assess progress made on the construction of the houses and also to officially hand over keys to two (2) beneficiaries who have been staying in the nearby villages.
According to Mokgosi, the completion of these houses marks a remarkable progress and further
brings us closer towards restoring better living conditions for our citizens. Ruigtersloot is one of the villages within Moretele Local Municipality that is known for its inadequate settlements crowded by shack dwellers and mud houses. The condition of the poor housing construction in Ruigtersloot posed a threat to residents, as they have been previously struck by floods and winds since 2014 until now. This poor housing conditions puts the occupants’ lives in risks of being harmed during the incidents caused by floods and winds.
Premier Mokgosi further highlighted the importance of taking care of these new homes in-order to
sustain the structures for the future generations. “As we continue to celebrate the development of living conditions in this community, the government pleads with beneficiaries to sustain this
structures for future generations. We are committed to ensure individuals have a roof in their head in rains and winds. You can now live happily in your homes”, said Premier Mokgosi.
Departmental MEC Gaoage Oageng Molapisi also shared the same sentiments, citing that the
completion of these houses signifies the restoration of dignity towards different families in this village. “We are grateful to see our community members celebrating the fruits of the government of this nation. We will continue to work hard in providing human settlements to our people and restore the dignity of families in our province,” said MEC Molapisi.
New home owner, John Madoba, has been living with his family and two (2) children and in a small
house within the village. The household has been surviving off the government social grants and
Madoba’s piece jobs around the village. For many years Mr Madoba wished to have a proper
household for his children but due to the circumstances he faced he was unable to build a home
from his pockets. “I have been staying with my parents and children for years but today marks a
change in my life. I am finally proud to own a home and this moment restored back my dignity as a father. I am grateful for the government efforts in restoring our dignity through the provision of adequate housing in our villages”, expressed Madoba.
Another beneficiary, Rosina Belman could not contain her excitement for receiving a new home.
Belman lived her whole life with her late husband and four (4) grandchildren in a small house. The family relied on child support grants and old age grants to make for survival. Belman is left with two (2) grandchildren, one in primarily school and the other in university to take care off. “This house
signifies the government efforts in restoring our dignity. My family can now sleep peacefully in a warm household. I am grateful and proud to be a house owner after so many years of living in
extremely difficult conditions”, expressed Belman.
The department is committed to ensure communities are safe through the provision of quality
housing. In the midst of shortage of funds to unblock blocked projects, the department will continue to utilise the available resources to improve housing in the province.
Ends#
Issued by the Department of Human Settlements (North West)
Enquiries: Ms Dineo Lolokwane: Director: Corporate Communications & ICT
Tel no: (018) 388 2081
Cell no: 083 376 9400
Email: dlolokwane@nwpg.gov.za
And / or
Mr Lerato Gambu (MLO to the MEC)
Cell: 076 322 11 65
Email: lgambu@nwpg.gov.za
