As the Ratanda Hostel renovation moves closer, residents are urged to participate in the stakeholder engagements.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the Lesedi Local Municipality announced the start of the renovation project to improve living conditions and upgrade the facility’s infrastructure.

The contractor and consultant were introduced to the hostel izinduna on January 21, marking the start of the stakeholder consultations ahead of construction.

There will be a Ward 3 community meeting on February 3 at the Ratanda New Hall at 10:00. Residents will be briefed on the project’s scope and the objectives.

An engagement for small, medium and micro enterprises (SSMEs) is scheduled for the same day at noon at the Ratanda Hostel.

“Introducing the contractor and the consultant to the izinduna was critical to ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned from the outset. We urge community members to attend the meetings, as they allow residents to receive accurate information and raise any concerns.

“No SMMEs will be appointed outside of a formal stakeholder engagement and a public advert. This is to ensure fairness, accountability and equal access to opportunities linked to the project. Regular communication is important to keep the community informed and build trust as the project moves forward,” he said.