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The provision of bulk infrastructure remains one of the major challenges in delivering houses in rural areas, says Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale.

Speaking at the handover of 49 houses at Mantheding Village outside Polokwane in Limpopo earlier today, Sexwale however said this did not mean people in the country’s villages were going to be left out.

“We cannot sit back and not provide necessary services to rural areas. That is why it is necessary for government departments to pull together all resources to make sure that sustainable human settlements also become a permanent feature of the country’s rural landscape,” he said.

Human Settlements was not only about the provision of houses, but also about economic opportunities, access to schools, clinics and recreational facilities among others.

Mantheding is one of the eight villages under the Polokwane Municipality to benefit from the three hundred housing units built to the tune of R18 million.

Limpopo’s MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Clifford Motsepe said 85% of the province was rural and their housing delivery strategy focused in meeting the needs of these citizens.

“Access to land under traditional leadership is not a problem for us as we have good working relations with dikgosi and they understand the needs of the communities for decent housing,” said Motsepe.

Chief Dikgale expressed his gratitude towards the project and said: “With the cooperation of government and private sector the development of our villages shall be realised.”

Sexwale was accompanied by Human Settlements Deputy Minister Zoe Kota- Fredericks, the Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, Freddy Greaver, Motsepe and Chief Dikgale.