The Democratic Alliance (DA) acknowledges the Department of Human Settlements’ call for the servicing of 5300 residential sites in Moqhaka Local Municipality. This pertains to the bulk infrastructure development, planned for newly unserviced sites, including those previously sold under Council Resolution. The aim is to address the critical housing needs that led residents to close municipal offices in Maokeng Township and Kroonstad due to various issues, with the housing backlog topping the list.

The National Housing Needs Register indicates a demand for adequate housing from 12,248 respondents as of March 27, 2023. Despite this, the appointed contractor will service only 5300 sites, including 98 Smallholdings leased to residents. Concerns arise over Moqhaka's ability to honour agreements and the potential damage to newly built infrastructure by roaming livestock, exacerbated by insufficient resources from the Department of Land Affairs for agricultural land acquisition.

This insufficient allocation directly impacts residents' housing needs, jeopardising agreements and posing risks to infrastructure integrity and agricultural sustainability.

We urge Ketso Makume to intensify engagement with the Department of Human Settlements, Minister Mamoloko Kubayi, and the Free State Government. The goal is to secure additional funds during and post the bulk infrastructure installation, ensuring the appointed contractor receives adequate funds to meet the demand of 12,248. With the Free State Department returning an unspent R600 Million to the Treasury amid service delivery shortcomings, we highlight a failure to prioritise residents' interests, hindering potential improvements to the province's poorest communities.

We further request that the MEC's office conduct regular oversight during project implementation. This ensures that the initiative aligns with the Constitution's mandate to provide adequate housing, preventing wasteful expenditure and holding individuals accountable for taxpayer funds. This oversight also safeguards Moqhaka Local Municipality's revenue potential through increased rates and taxes.

We commit to monitoring the project's progress and advocate for transparent site allocation, aligning with the Constitution's provisions on land occupation.

 

Issued by Matthews Sepatala Chabalala - DA Councillor Moqhaka Local Municipality