R73m housing and electrification project launched in Seshego

POLOKWANE – Polokwane Mayor John Mpe launched the municipality’s electrification project of low-cost housing during a ceremony held at Seshego Extension 126 last Thursday with the Minister of Human Settlements and former Polokwane Mayor, Thembi Simelane performing the sod-turning.

The project forms part of the municipality’s implementation of level two accreditation and marks a significant step in advancing the municipality’s human settlements programme independently and delivering on its commitment to dignified housing and basic services for all.

“Today, we gather here not to turn our backs on our people but to turn the soil in their name. This sod-turning is a turning point, a signal that the people of Polokwane will no longer wait on the margins of delivery. It is a step into an era of self-driven development, where the municipality itself becomes the developer of its people’s future,” Mpe said and explained that after more than 10 years of hard work, lobbying and capacity building, Polokwane Municipality has officially attained level two Housing Accreditation.

“This means that we are now trusted and empowered by the MEC to plan, approve and implement our own housing projects. This milestone is revolutionary in its impact and we waste no time,” the mayor said.

The development comprises 404 low-cost housing units, funded at a total investment of R73m and delivered by the municipality as the lead developer.

“This project is a story of dignity, a restoration of pride for those who once lived in informal settlements such as Disteneng and Freedom Park, and a promise fulfilled to our people. A total of 110 units are being built in extension 126 under the Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme and 32 infill units will serve families across various zones in Seshego and 254 homes will be developed under the Rural Housing Programme,” Mpe added.

The projects started on July 1, and are scheduled for completion by March 2026. Ten local contractors have been appointed and the municipality is creating jobs for the very people who will benefit from the final product.

“It is, however, deeply disappointing that some beneficiaries of completed housing units have refused to occupy them, leaving those houses vulnerable to vandalism and illegal occupation. This is an insult to the struggle for housing. We will not allow such wasteful behaviour to undermine public resources or deny deserving families their rightful homes,” Mpe remarked.

He added that, as part of the municipality’s broader human settlements rollout, it is also prioritising electrification for new and underserved areas.

“In extension 133, we are electrifying 905 households in phases and 251 households have already been energised and 235 more will be connected today and the remaining 419 households will be energised in the coming weeks, with full completion by end of July 2025. We are also launching an additional electrification project for 192 households, starting today, with completion expected by end of November 2025,” Mpe elaborated.

In Juju Valley, the municipality has provided 40 chemical toilets as temporary sanitation relief and five boreholes; three in Juju Valley and two in extension 134.

By July 15, four boreholes will have been operational, and the remaining one, requiring a 2km pipeline, will be completed by July 25, according to Mpe. Each borehole will have three 5000-litre Jojo tanks and six communal taps.

“Let us rise together as a municipality of action, of integrity and of hope. Polokwane is on the rise. And it is rising with its people,” Mpe concluded.