Mining hostels at Khuma Township are set to be demolished to make way for decent family units for the hostel dwellers, according to the North West Department of Local Government and Human Settlements.

Addressing hostel dwellers during a meeting held recently, Local Government and Human Settlements MEC Collen Maine announced that the mining hostels will be completely demolished at the beginning of April this year to make way for subsidised family units with proper sanitation and infrastructure.

While demolitions take place, the occupants will be given temporary accommodation a stone’s throw away from where they are staying.

The process to relocate the occupants is expected to be completed by the end of March to allow demolition to take place.

“The temporary structures will also be demolished when they go back to occupy their family units, an exercise which will see them being integrated with the rest of the community of Khuma.

“The occupants’ list that has been compiled by Matlosana Local Municipality will be used to reallocate family units upon completion of the project,” MEC Maine said.

More than 250 people are currently occupying the hostels, which were original built for migrant workers.  The hostels are no longer conducive for human habitat as there are no proper services and some unoccupied hostels have become a nest for criminals.

The action will fulfil a call made by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa for residents to be provided proper shelter.

During his visit to Khuma last March, Deputy President Ramaphosa made a commitment that he will personally monitor progress on demolishing the hostels and building new houses for its dwellers.

– SAnews.gov.za