Issued by: North West Communication Service
PRESS STATEMENT BY MATLAWE MOTHUSIEMANG ERICK, PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER FOR DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.
At last there is a provisional consensus on the prospects of the Taung Housing Project.
On March 3 a meeting was held in Johannesburg between the Premier, Mr Popo Molefe, Acting Premier Mr Zachariah Tolo, the MEC for Housing Mr Darkey Africa, Kgosi Mankuroane and members of the Taung Housing Committee.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess the Taung Housing Project and identify problems that impede the continuation of the project. This was a further attempt to look into the best possible means to resolve outstanding problems and to ensure the project which will contribute to a large scale development of Taung takes first priority.
It was reafirmed that development is critical for Taung Area and the Housing Project should be looked at as basis for launching a long lasting integrated development plan.
Also noted was the concern of the community in respect of the Land (farm No. 894) for Agricultural usage.
That the Housing Project is not contradicting the agricultural self sustenance needs of the community and vice versa.
The meeting agreed on intervention strategies which will ensure a final resolution of the matter (Housing Project).
1. There is a clear commitment on all parties to amicably resolve the problem.
2. That the Department of Land Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, the Provincial Department of Local Government, Housing, Planning and Development should be involved in coordinating the process.
3. The three departments in consultation with the Tribal Council and the Housing Committee, will identify alternative land for agricultural purposes.
4. The government will assist as far as possible the tribe for the rehabilitation of the alternative land to make it suitable for ploughing.
5. A meeting will be held with the Tribal Council by by Tuesday (March 5) to solicit their support on the suggested process.
6. The community will also be included after this consultation process and they will be addressed by the Premier Mr Popo Molefe and MEC Darkey Africa and Kgosi Mankuroane, on the developments.
7. Once there is an absolute agreement the project will continue with the blessing of the tribe and the chief
CONCLUSION
There is an absolute need to mobilise the entire community and the tribe to realise that the development of Taung is supreme in ensuring that the marginalised community of Taung can benefit
CONTACT: ERICK MATLAWE CEL NO: 0837007885 4 March 1996