A massive Human Settlements Project gets underway in Lekwa, Mpumalanga
5 February 2010
An informal settlement of 2 165 households is to be developed into a
decent integrated human settlement at Rooikopen in the Lekwa Local Municipality,
Mpumalanga. The Provincial Department of Human Settlements has appointed
credible contractors to deliver the much-needed housing units at the settlement.
The project is part of a grant from the National Department of Human Settlements
solely dedicated to the area in a bid to improve the living conditions of the
community. Extensive work is expected to be carried out to deliver the 2 165
units to all approved qualifying beneficiaries at Rooikopen Farm Extensions 1, 3
and 4.
To date, all the contractors have been engaged on critical issues of
quality, legal and finances to successfully deliver the project. Contractors
have been urged to stick to time frames, communicate constantly with the
department and have a full understanding of the contents of their contracts. By
adhering to these issues, the contractors will be able to deliver on the project
in time and subsequently assist the department to deliver on its mandate.
Critical to the achievement of the project is ensuring that quality is not
compromised. The Technical Service’s Manual outlines that it is also critical
for all contractors not to deviate from specifications, provide construction
programmes, follow health and safety standards and register all delays and
submit them to the department in time for a possible time extension.
Lekwa Municipality was one of the municipalities that did not have
sufficient land developed for human settlements. A number of informal and
illegally invaded dwellings were formed, among which Rooikopen was part.
Rooikopen is a private farm which the municipality bought in 2002 and developed
for proper residence. Over 3 000 households exist in the area and all basic
services have since been installed. Sequel to the servicing of sites, the
municipality requested the department to provide housing for the residents and a
priority project of 2 165 units has been approved. A budget of R129 million has
been allocated for the project.
Enquiries:
Ngobe Freddy
Cell: 082 859 4630
Tel: 013 766 6014
Issued by: Department of Human Settlements
