The Premier of the Free State, Ace Magashule, and the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mamiki Qabathe, will meet commercial farmers and all relevant stakeholders in Daniëlsrus, near Bethlehem.
According to Pulane Tsupane from the Premier’s office, it will serve as a robust consultation between the stakeholders as Magashule and his Cabinet understand that effective planning can only be done with the involvement of all relevant role-players and the commitment of government to the implementation of plans that will lead to economic growth in the province.
She says on the same day Magashule and Qabathe will join the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Olly Mlamleli, to launch the construction of the new government subsidised homes in Vogelfontein, near Bethlehem.
“The construction of these houses came after Magashule and his Executive Council took a decision to build houses for this community a year ago. The relocation of these beneficiaries from Silahliwe to Vogelfontein happens within the 100th year of the native land act which denied people homes and disowned them as citizens in their own land. The launch of these human settlements forms part of government’s concerted effort to ensure that there are indeed homes, security and comfort as the security of their land tenure is assured,” she says.
Tsupane adds that some of the beneficiaries as old as 70 years have been prioritised as these have never had homes and have had to move from one shack to another and raising families in undesirable situations, growing old in these and almost going through this life without having had a solid home.
“Our government is working hard to ensure that the 70-year-old Mamohlolo Tshabalala and Fusi Buthelezi are likely to have their houses by the end of this year. The first phase of the project, Bakenpark, consists of 500 low-cost houses of no less than 50m². These differently designed houses will have 2 bedrooms, lounge and kitchen and a full bathroom,” she says.
According to Tsupane save for electricity which will be installed as construction progresses, infrastructure for services has already been installed, roads prepared. She says the human settlement development will include solar lights, solar geysers as part of their contribution to environmental consciousness.
“With construction targeted to start immediately, the houses are due for progressive completion within the current financial year. The project is aimed at involving the beneficiaries in building of these houses as part of creating a sense of ownership so that they could take better care of their homes. The beneficiaries will be inspired to ‘own’ the project from start to finish and help keep the houses safe, to ‘project’ manage, and ensure quality construction,” she concluded.
Everything will take place on Thursday at the Daniëlsrus Farmers’ Hall and later during the day at Volgefontein near Bethlehem.
Statement issued by the Free State Provincial Government Communication Services.
