KWAGGAFONTEIN – The Thembisile Hani Municipality (THLM) is embarking on an ambitious plan to transform a stretch of land from Kwagga Plaza to Verena into a thriving new urban settlement. This visionary project aims to create a structured urban hub, free from informal settlements and shacks, and is part of a broader strategy to develop a well-planned city that meets the needs of its residents.
The municipality is currently undertaking measures to formulate a comprehensive human settlement strategy that prioritizes the development of a meticulously planned and structured city center.
Speaking during the Mayoral Outreach Consultative Programme held on Thursday, September 19, the acting mayor, Mzwandile Skhosana, stressed the significance of devising a coherent human settlement blueprint. “We don’t want people to develop businesses anywhere, we have a plan that we developed and also a marked place where our Thembisile Hani Local Municipality City (CBD) will be centred,” he stated at the municipal chamber.
To accomplish this objective, Skhosana reiterated that the municipality has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with traditional leaders to enlist all individuals in search of sites.
He further elaborated that this agreement will remain valid for the upcoming three years, during which no fresh settlements will be established or assigned to individuals.
In addition, he highlighted that the municipality is actively engaged in establishing new service areas and underscored the significance of submitting applications for plots through the municipality.
“Everyone must come only to the municipality for the application of stands,” said Skhosana.
In addition to these initiatives, the municipality has made a resolution to exclusively engage in transactions with business proprietors who promptly settle their municipal dues.
Nevertheless, William Mahlangu, a former Verena entrepreneur, shared with the publication the challenges he faces in meeting this criterion.
He is currently trying to reconcile outstanding payments for a shuttered establishment. “I once opened a spaza shop that did not make any profit, I decided to close it,” he said.
“I got a call from the Municipality that I owe Hundred Thousand for the services, I explained to them that the shop was closed long time ago. Why is it that I must pay such amount?”
The municipality is facing a significant challenge in its water supply system.
The current administration has identified water supply as a fundamental aspect, aiming to extend sewage services to 22,011 residences. However, this endeavor is impeded by a scarcity of water.
Presently, the municipality is enacting immediate and medium-term strategies to combat the water crisis, including securing a fresh water supply from River Bhundu and pursuing a lasting solution by extracting water from Loskop Dam.
“With these initiatives in place, residents can expect improved services and a better quality of life, our vision which is to build a truly African City that is citizen centred and driven, still stands,” concluded Skhosana.
