TZANEEN – The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) has announced the construction of 146 Community Residential Units (CRUs) at Talana Hostel in Tzaneen as part of its R2.57 billion Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget.

Speaking during the presentation, CoGHSTA MEC Basikopo Makamu confirmed that the project is set to begin in the second quarter of 2025, with the procurement process for a contractor already underway.

“To keep up with growing housing demands due to migration, we are prioritising the construction of CRUs in areas like Talana under the Greater Tzaneen Municipality,” Makamu said.

He also highlighted efforts to address critical infrastructure challenges, noting that CoGHSTA will assist water service authorities in upgrading sewer systems posing health risks in areas such as Dan village in Tzaneen.

He reported that while the sewer line in Makotse village has been completed, engineering designs for Dan village are in progress following a detailed site assessment.

Makamu reaffirmed the department’s commitment to reducing informal settlements, including targeted intervention in the Maruleng Municipality.

He further outlined progress on various projects in the Mopani District, including the Ha-Mawasha Sewer Bulk Line, Giyani Extension F and H Bulk Water Pipelines, and the Siyandhani Bulk Sewer Pipeline.

Makamu said he recently visited the Giyani Section F and Masakaneng bulk water and sewage projects. He praised the progress, especially in Giyani Section F, where the project is complete and ready for municipal allocation of residential sites.

The development has already created 21 job opportunities and is expected to benefit 365 households, he said.