The North West Provincial Government has disclosed they have made progress with housing for flood victims. 

The North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosh, disclosed that 103 new houses are being built for flood victims in the Tswaing Local Municipality. 

North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) media liaison, Dineo Thapelo, said the housing project will be completed by March 2024 and more houses are expected to be built as part of phase 2.

At least 170 families were left homeless and one person died during the disaster in 2022. Infrastructure including roads, schools and houses was destroyed. Following the disruptive floods, the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Pam Tshwete, revealed that R54.9 million had been allocated to the province to build new houses in Deelpan and surrounding areas.

“Amongst others, the Department of Social Development supports social centres with about 300 beneficiaries around Deelpan. It also developed the skills of 50 young people and supported chicken broiler, salon, sewing and street vendor businesses. Parenting programmes, as well as pyscho-social support services are continuing,” added Thapelo.

An amount of R54.9 m is readily available to build new houses for people affected by floods in Deelpan & surrounding communities. The Dept of Human Settlement has confirmed that relocation discussions b/n affected community & govt is a cause for delay in Buidling new houses. pic.twitter.com/dBw8Hl7KeE

— NWPG (@NWPGOV) May 24, 2022

It's understood that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has provided veterinary services by assisting farmers with diesel, providing goats to some families and also buying bulls for farmers. She said the Department of Public Works and Roads will construct a 12km road from Mooifontein to Lombardslaagte.  

Damaged bridges will also be repaired and the project is expected to create approximately 100 job opportunities and provide technical and generic training for beneficiaries.

Thapelo further said water shortages will also receive attention.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi Corné