Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu recently handed over a R700 million Housing Project in Marikana, east of Rustenburg, in the North West.

According to the department, Minister Sisulu emphasised government’s commitment to provide decent housing for needy South Africans, and said government was highly concerned about the needs of vulnerable groups.

She was happy to hand over houses to the miners and the community of Marikana.

“We promised to help all 22 mining towns in distress and today we are here to start that journey,” said Minister Sisulu.

She said the Human Settlements’ portfolio was the key driver of necessary societal change and transformation that is required in the country. The Minister said the Marikana Housing Project will yield 2 600 units upon completion.

“Presently, 544 housing units have been completed. These include 252 units that are part of a community residential programme and another 292 Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses.

“The project will also cater for Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) and bonded houses,” she said.

Project part of revamping mining towns

The department said the Marikana housing project is part of government’s plan to revitalise distressed mining communities, following the Social Accord which was signed by President Jacob Zuma in October 2012 as a commitment to accelerate efforts to upgrade human settlements and related facilities in mining towns across the country.

Minister Sisulu was accompanied by the Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe, North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo, and Local Government and Human Settlements MEC Wendy Nelson.