MMC for Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, says the municipality will prioritise completing the outstanding water and sanitation project started in 2015.
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For 11 years, residents of Koanong Proper and Kopanong Extension 1 in the City of Tshwane have been waiting for the construction of water and sewer infrastructure to be completed.
The project, which is still incomplete, started in 2015 and is set to benefit approximately 1,000 stands.
MMC for Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, who recently visited the project, said the municipality will prioritise completing the outstanding water and sanitation services.
He explained that Koanong Proper and Kopanong Extension 1 were previously administered under the Madibeng Local Municipality in the North West province before being incorporated into Tshwane.
"Together, the areas consist of approximately 2,900 low-cost housing stands, with basic engineering services including water, sanitation, roads and stormwater infrastructure initially installed by the North West Provincial Government," he said.
Maluleka said the formalisation and servicing of communities such as Koanong Proper and Kopanong Extension 1 form part of the city’s broader commitment to spatial justice by ensuring that historically neglected communities are fully integrated into the urban fabric of Tshwane.
He said progress in fully formalising and servicing the areas has been affected by several longstanding challenges, including delays in obtaining the necessary Power of Attorney from the North West Housing Corporation.
Other challenges included irregular occupation patterns where some residents occupy multiple stands, and encroachments onto road reserves.
Maluleka said these challenges have placed significant pressure on existing infrastructure and contributed to ongoing service delivery issues, including illegal sewer connections, pipe leakages and recurring sewer blockages.
He said: "Construction of water and sewer infrastructure for approximately 1,000 stands commenced in 2015. To date, water installations are approximately 95% complete, while sewer installations have reached around 85% completion."
According to him, the remaining work includes final testing and commissioning of the systems, as well as completing an outstanding sewer outfall section measuring 200 mm x 700 mm.
He said following the recent inspection and engagements with relevant stakeholders, it was agreed that the outstanding water and sanitation services for the remaining 1,000 stands will now be prioritised for completion.
"The township proclamation process will also proceed to enable the transfer of stands to qualifying residents, an important step towards formal ownership, tenure security and long-term stability in the affected communities," Maluleka said.
Sections A, B, C and D of the area have been significantly affected by land invasions.
Maluleka said once the proclamation process has concluded, the city will be in a better position to determine the appropriate interventions required in these sections particularly in relation to the impact of land invasions and associated infrastructure pressures.
rapula.mopatshe@inl.co.za