LONG WAIT FOR RDP HOUSE OVER

The Free State MEC for human settlements, cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), Olly Mlamleli, has promised to act swiftly to address the Hennenman residents’ long wait for RDP houses.

Mlamleli told the community of Phomolong in Hennenman last Thursday that construction of 200 RDP houses in the area will commence on Tuesday this week.

However, the first 11 houses will be built for families whose houses were demolished during Premier Ace Magashule’s Operation Hlasela visit in 2009.

“I apologise to those families who spent a long time waiting for the houses that they were promised in 2009. I assure them that they the construction of their houses will commence by next week because contractors have already been engaged,” said Mlamleli

This comes after some of the 11 earmarked family beneficiaries called Mlamleli last week, complaining that their families could no longer make do in a caravan that they were accommodated in as it was becoming inhabitable.

Isaac Moahlodi’s wife allegedly broke her arm after tripping on the caravan’s doorstep last week.

Mlamleli visited the Moahlodi family on her arrival and promised to build a house for them to avoid any more injuries and put an end to the long wait.

“It was heart-breaking to hear what had these families have been going through all these years. The houses to be built next week will be of high quality and they will need to be taken care of by the beneficiaries. We, however, have a challenge of people being given houses only to sell them afterwards,” said Mlamleli

Moahlodi said he was humbled and gratified that the MEC had responded to his plea and came to see him and his family.

“I did not know who to talk to after my wife broke her arm, although I felt I should do something. After calling the MEC last week, I was relieved and prayed that she keeps her promise to come and see me before the end of this week. I am grateful that she kept her word.

I can now sleep better at night knowing that my days in the caravan are numbered and soon I will be moving into a new nice and safe house.”

Moahlodi praised the MEC for her compassionate leadership and humility.

“What MEC Mlamleli did for me today shows that we still have leaders that care for the people and have their interests at heart,” he said.