This was highlighted during the recent visit of the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, on Friday (14/3). 

Several significant housing developments were brought to the spotlight, including the G-Hostel in Welkom (Matjhabeng), Dark & Silver City in Mangaung, Vista Park 2 and 3 Catalytic projects, and the completion of outstanding RDP houses across the province.

Free State Cogta MEC Saki Mokoena alongside Mayor Gregory Nthatisi at Dark & Silver City housing project in Bloemfontein. Photo: Themba Vryman

Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs Saki Mokoena emphasised the province’s commitment to accelerating regional development projects. He revealed that the department plans to release 1,500 sites in Dihlabeng Municipality by the end of March, with further site releases scheduled in other towns across the province. 

Mokoena also provided an update on the progress of the G-Hostel project, which has been delayed for years but is now on track.

“The G-Hostel project has a timeline for completion set for May, where the first set of housing blocks will be completed, and the first group of occupants will be able to move in,” he said.

The Dark & Silver City social housing project, which is 78% complete, will also see phased occupation in April. This phased approach will allow qualifying beneficiaries to move in as sections of the project are finalized. Meanwhile, the G-Hostel project, currently only 55% complete, will follow a similar phased strategy. 

The first group of beneficiaries is expected to take residence this month, with the remaining residents to be accommodated by November.

However, both projects have faced significant challenges, including contractor changes, vandalism, community disruptions, and allegations of maladministration. Mokoena said security has been bolstered and new contractors have been appointed to ensure that the projects are completed within the set timelines.

Meanwhile, Minister Simelane stressed the importance of addressing these lingering housing issues promptly. She said her goal is to fast-track the completion of these projects in the current financial year, focusing primarily on the most vulnerable groups in society, including the disabled, the elderly, and those unable to afford bonds or serviced sites to build homes for themselves.

“We have vulnerable groups of which by policy we still have to take care of. We are dealing with this in terms of trying to clean our list as well, in terms of vulnerable people with disabilities, child-headed households, and the elderly. We started with the housing project led by Shira, with the province and the city. 

“We are doing about 526 units, and in April, we will be ready with the first batch, taking in 100 at a time. By the end of November, we anticipate that we should have completed all of these projects,” Simelane explained.

She also said that the government is committed to tackling these delays and plans to conduct quarterly visits to the province to ensure the timely completion of all projects.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh