In line with its broadened mandate and a direct response to UN-Habitat objectives to deal with urbanisation challenges in mining towns and cities, the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements is implementing several human settlements projects around Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. Thus, commemorating this year’s Habitat Month under the theme “Mind the Gap, Leave No One and Place Behind”, the government visited the integrated project currently under implementation at Secunda West, Extension 75. The visit was a joint exercise by both the National and Provincial Department of Human Settlements and the municipality.
This is the multi-year project for the servicing of 1370 stands to be delivered over a span of three years. The servicing of these sites entails gravelling of internal roads, water and sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure. Upon completion of these sites, construction of various housing typologies with requisite facilities and infrastructure shall ensue. This year’s allocation is 500 stands, with 90% water and 85% sewer infrastructures completed.
Human Settlements, MEC Speed Mashilo, has said that this development should be viewed in conjunction with the department’s commitments to address the challenges urbanisation brings in all mining towns across the province. “We appreciate unplanned urbanisation in our mining towns, which ultimately burdens the infrastructure and raises housing needs. Thus, this development will cater to the overflow of residents working in Govan Mbeki Municipality by providing them with different housing subsidies”, expounded Mashilo.
This intervention was echoed and appreciated by the Local Executive Mayor, Cllr. Nhlakanipho Zuma. “Our town continues to feel pressures of urbanisation owing to its economic activities; people come and reside here, and we must cater for them. Therefore, this development and many others will bring about much-needed relief on our housing backlog”, said Zuma. He added that the municipality would continue to work with the department to address the local housing challenges by ensuring the project’s smooth running.
Closing off the day, the Department conducted a Consumer Education Session and greening initiative to empower beneficiaries about the Department’s programmes and policy guidelines for accessing government services. World Habitat Day is held on the first Monday of October and launches Urban October. It centres around the global observance, which is held in a different country each year with keynote speakers and roundtable discussions focused on a specific theme. The day is also observed to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of human habitat.
ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE
MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
CONTACT: FREDDY NGOBE – 013 766 6014 / 082 859 4630/ flngobe@mpg.gov.za