The department has completed internal services for 876 residential sites in Rouxville, three months ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone in restoring dignity and accelerating integrated human settlements.

The Free State MEC of cooperative governance and traditional affairs and human settlements, Saki Mokoena, will conduct a walkabout of the serviced site at Roleleathunya Extension 6 in Rouxville on Sunday (8/2) as part of its human settlements programme in the Xhariep District.

The scope of the project included the installation and connection of essential bulk and internal infrastructure, such as sewer and water networks, stormwater drainage, and the construction of an 11-kilometre road network.

The walkabout will provide an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved through the R75 million investment, while also outlining the department’s broader vision for integrated and dignified communities.

“The Rouxville project forms part of a broader mandate to upgrade informal settlements and ensure secure tenure and access to basic services,” said Free State human settlements spokesperson Zimasa Mbewu.

“It is our responsibility to work closely with municipalities to make sure people do not move into sites where there are no services. When houses are built, services must already be in place.”

The department’s planning approach seeks to redress the spatial planning injustices of the pre-1994 era. We deliberately plan settlements in areas where communities can access urban centres, so that there is no sense of segregation, as was the case in the past.”

Sustainable 

All 876 sites are now fully serviced with water meters and sewer connections, laying a solid foundation for sustainable human settlements and future housing development in the area.

Beyond infrastructure delivery, the project also contributed to the local economic development. Approximately 14 local subcontractors were appointed, while local labour, plant hire services, and construction materials were sourced from within Rouxville.

“Delays in projects delay livelihoods. Under the leadership of MEC Mokoena, there is a clear expectation projects must be completed on time, and this project is a good example of that commitment,” said Mbewu.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg