Residents temporarily relocated to Altoostyd

The Lephalale Local Municipality (LLM) hosted a public participation meeting at the municipal lapa on 24 November to discuss the temporary relocation of 223 residents living in and around the hostel in Marapong to a facility at Altoostyd.
The meeting was chaired by the Onverwacht ward councilor, Sybil Nieuwoudt.
The manager of the LLM housing division, Mpho Lekoloane, explained to Onverwacht residents that the initial plan was to upgrade the hostel to ensure better living conditions for residents. Structural assessment showed that the hostel was beyond repair and the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements ant Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) decided to build new community residential units (CRU). The CRU project will start in January 2015 and will consists of 514 units, ranging from bachelor- to two-bedroom units. It is earmarked for people earning between R800-R3500 per month. On completion of the project, the department will hand over to the municipality.
To implement the project, alternative accommodation needed to be sought for the 223 residents living in and around the hostel. The challenge is that neither CoGHSTA nor the municipality has land available in the area. It was suggested that the residents be moved to CoGHSTA’s Altoostyd property adjacent to Onverwacht. The property was bought in 2007, earmarked for mixed income housing units.
The hostel residents will be housed in temporary structures and services will include solar high mast lights, a communal kitchen with gas stoves and ablution facilities powered by solar energy. Water will be provided through Jo Jo tanks. CoGHSTA will appoint an informal settlement officer who will report to the department monthly. Security will also be provided to monitor the area.   
The relocated residents will all sign a lease agreement to ensure that subletting does not take place, also stating that the units are temporary and will be removed and returned to CoGHSTA as soon as the CRU’s are built and ready for occupation (a three year project). These units could in future be used as disaster or emergency housing. The land will be rehabilitated as it has been allocated as an educational facility.  This specific site was chosen so that the Altoostyd building projects are not hindered by the temporary facility.
Any queries can be directed to Cllr. Sybil Nieuwoudt on 078 786 1689 or contact the housing manager, Mpho Lekoloane on email: mpho.lekoloane@lephalale.gov.za.