Mathabatha dismisses Limpopo housing controversy, says shacks are temporary
Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha says the controversial housing structures unveiled for Talana informal settlement residents are only temporary.
Mathabatha unveiled 40 shacks last week, reportedly costing provincial government R2.4 million.
Each unit is estimated to have cost at least R60 000.
The shacks were constructed as an alternative to the overcrowded and dilapidated Talana Hostel but Mathabatha was heavily criticised for the structures.
Mathabatha says the project is spearheaded by national government, directing concerns to the Departments of Water and Sanitation as well as Human Settlements.
“Underpinning this programme, is the commitment by the national government to provide a Covid-19 emergency relief for communities who live in a densely populated informal settlement.
“The concerns raised regarding the cost and the type of units can best be addressed and responded to by our counterparts at national level.”
Robert Seshoene stands in front of his temporary shelter after it was handed over by the Premier at Talana. Pic by: Elvis Tshikhudo. pic.twitter.com/RcfuX9UFoH
— Limpopo Government (@OtpLimpopo) July 31, 2020
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He adds the newly unveiled shacks are only a temporary measure.
“We indeed are at an advanced stage to translate the Talana old hostel to a modern community residential unit to benefit 168 families with busines and recreational facilities.”
Mathabatha says provincial government will follow the Seshego housing blueprint.
“This is the multimillion-rand project we were talking about. This relocating of them to temporary shelters was phase one of that project.”
Members of the provincial Covid-19 command council addressed media on Wednesday.
