3 days ago
Mayor maps out housing future for Mogale
In Part Three of unpacking Mayor Lucky Sele's 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA) breakdown, the focus is on a comprehensive housing strategy aimed at transforming Mogale City.
Key initiatives include the auctioning of land to fund development, dedicated housing for military veterans, critical upgrades to sanitation infrastructure, and a zero-tolerance approach to illegal land grabs.
The Krugersdorp News will provide a detailed breakdown of the key points discussed during the SOCA to help the public better understand the mayor's message and plans.
• Also read: Mayor's bold steps to fix city's infrastructure
Sele said Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM), in partnership with the provincial government and private investors, had turned the sod for Phase One of the Leratong Nodal Development.
The first phase includes a regional shopping mall, which will revitalise the local economy and create employment opportunities.
'Five thousand new houses, including RDP units for the most vulnerable, are planned in this initial phase, supported by an already completed 25-megalitre reservoir, costing R34m, ensuring water security for the development.
The entire project will deliver 15 000 homes, a regional transport hub, and a government precinct, reimagining how communities live, work, and access services,' he stated.
He explained that in the Dr Sefularo Housing Development, R20m was invested in water and sewer systems, including a sewer package plant and an elevated water tower.
'On top of this, R15m went towards building 70 of the planned 190 houses. Construction is visibly progressing, with all 70 houses at wall plate level, and roofs are now being installed. The remaining 120 houses will be completed in the new financial year, fully serviced with electricity, plumbing, and internal finishes,' he added.
'Similarly, in Dr Motlana, we allocated R15m for infrastructure and R19m for the first 70 of 253 houses. Despite encouraging progress, with 41 houses at wall plate level, the project suffered delays due to external interference driven by narrow business interests. This interference not only costs us time, but also valuable public resources. However, we are moving forward. Stronger community engagement and tighter stakeholder management will ensure smoother rollouts in future phases.'
He said the Brickvale development is one of their most ambitious projects, as it will eventually deliver 6 000 RDP houses and 480 Military Veterans' units.
Almost 800 homes have been completed and handed over. Bulk water, sewer, and stormwater systems are nearing completion, at 98% and 66%, respectively, with the Tarlton 12-megalitre reservoir almost ready and repairs to a vandalised pump station progressing.'
Sele continued that they have also made strides in property optimisation and land management.
'The first phase of the Property Auction Initiative successfully auctioned 134 properties, with transfers underway. Phase Two will focus on churches, while Phase Three invites investment proposals, ensuring unused municipal assets generate income, economic activity, and community upliftment.'
• Also read: Three-month-long housing programme commences
'In our informal settlements, the dignity of our residents remains a top priority. With support from the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, we piloted alternative sanitation and energy solutions in Soul City, Nooitgedacht, and Heuningklip. Over 2 310 Enviro-loo facilities and solar-powered microgrids are being installed, with many already completed. In the coming year, we will begin the formalisation of at least three informal settlements, bringing them into the fold of structured municipal development,' Sele asserted.
Sele emphasised that illegal land occupation will not be tolerated, as they are implementing a firm anti-land invasion strategy.
We are updating the Informal Settlements By-Law, Housing Sector Plan, and Land Disposal Policy to close gaps, safeguard progress, and ensure our land serves the people, not opportunistic organisations,' he concluded.
In the fourth part of the series, the Krugersdorp News will explain how the mayor addressed economic development services.
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