WATCH: East coal mine aids Tshwane tackle housing backlog

Twenty low-cost houses will be constructed in Bronkhorstspruit, the Tshwane metro announced on Monday.

The construction is a joint project between the metro and Bronkhorstspruit north mining company, HCI Palesa.

The mine is based in the Thembisile Hani municipality, on the border with Nkangala township but still within the Tshwane metro.

Tshwane mayor Randall Williams said the construction, valued at more than R3-million, would benefit residents of Enkangala and Dark City.

Last Thursday the metro hosted a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of construction.

“The 20 houses will cost R3.5-million paid by our partner HCI Palesa for the community development project.”

He said as the mine offered funds, the metro would in-turn provide serviced stands and ensure installation of sewer and water, reticulation as well as the electricity infrastructure.

Williams said the residents that would move into the soon-to-be-built homes had already selected from the surrounding vulnerable community.

“They were carefully selected by the Tshwane with assistance from social workers and ward councillors in consultation with the mining company.”

He said the beneficiaries ranged from indigents and child-headed families to people living with disabilities.

“The metro and HCI Palesa entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build 20 houses for indigent households in Region 7.

“The MoU is in line with our mission to eradicate the housing backlog and to see deserving beneficiaries get proper housing and restoration of their dignity.”

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Williams said the public-private partnership came about after HCI Palesa approached the metro in 2022 to enquire about the best way to uplift the community of Region 7, where the mine operates.

“I want to thank HCI Palesa for giving back to the community and for its ongoing operations giving economic opportunities to our residents.

“I would also like to acknowledge the Ndzundza SoKhulumi traditional council, led by Chief Mahlangu and his entourage, for supporting this project.”

Williams said the Tshwane multi-party coalition government further encouraged and valued public-private partnerships that were aimed at uplifting the lives of residents.

The mine was granted its mining rights over portions of the farm Loopspruit 435 JR by the Department of Mineral Resources in 2008 and immediately started supplying Eskom in an initial 4 653 tons of coal in 2009.

HCI Palesa was given further right to mine portions of farm Rooipoort 440 JR.

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