The decision to fast-track the completion of long-overdue housing projects follows a resolution passed by the provincial executive council, said Free State Premier spokesperson, Matshediso Setai. The council has committed to ensuring these long-standing projects are completed by the end of the financial year.

They include major developments such as the G-Hostel in Welkom, Matjhabeng, and the Dark & Silver City in Mangaung. However, they have been plagued by contractor changes, vandalism, community disruptions, and allegations of maladministration.

In 2024, ActionSA raised concerns over the Dark & Silver City housing project after a group of community members unlawfully attempted to occupy the flats. ActionSA provincial chairperson Patricia Kopane criticised the Department of Human Settlements, accusing it of trying to shift blame for the stalled project.

Setai clarified that the Dark & Silver City social housing project is currently 78% complete, and a phased-in occupation will begin this month, allowing qualifying beneficiaries to move in once sections of the project are ready.

Similarly, the G-Hostel project, which is only 55% complete, will also adopt a phased approach. The first group of beneficiaries will move in this month, with the remainder expected to be accommodated by November.

A decade in the making

Initially launched more than a decade ago under the premiership of Ace Magashule, the Dark & Silver City project was meant to provide affordable housing for low-income earners. At the time, R110 million was allocated for the project. However, by 2018, costs had escalated to R260 million, with the project still far from completion.

The flats were intended for individuals earning between R1,622 and R7,500 per month, with rental prices ranging from R450 for a bachelor flat to R2,250 for a three-bedroom unit. In 2015, the provincial government reported that construction was progressing well, with expected completion by 2016.

However, seven years and two premiers later, the project remained unfinished, with many vacant units turning the project into a “white elephant”. During his time as premier, Magashule promised to pressure all involved parties to complete the project, even threatening contract termination for delays.

Construction of the flats underway in 2015. Picture: Facebook    

Yet, when Sisi Ntombela succeeded him, concerns about the project’s slow progress continued. Ntombela personally visited the site and expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of development.

Under Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, the provincial government has refocused efforts on completing these community residential units, emphasising that the project must be finished.

Rightful beneficiaries

Setai highlighted that ensuring the rightful beneficiaries move in will help prevent further vandalism and property damage. She warned that a strict verification process involving consultations with municipalities and other stakeholders will ensure that only eligible applicants are allocated homes.

She also cautioned contractors responsible for substandard work or project abandonment, stating that such practices are unacceptable and costly to the province. Officials involved in maladministration or corruption related to the allocation and occupation of housing units will face serious consequences.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg