In spite of protests lodged by the Soutpansberg Ratepayers Association (SBRA), the Makhado Municipality proceeded with its auctioning off of more than 150 stands adjacent to the current Eltivillas extension. Questions about the municipality’s ability to supply the necessary infrastructure and services have not been addressed.

On Friday, May 18, more than 150 stands were auctioned off at the council chamber of the municipal offices. The auction was conducted by a municipal official, Ms Charmaine de Waal. As far as could be determined, the starting price of the stands was R144 000, with many stands going for more than R200 000. Many bystanders expressed their disbelief and dissatisfaction with the high prices of the stands, since these prices put them beyond the reach of many ordinary residents who were hoping for a chance to obtain a house of their own.

A more serious question is whether or not the municipality can supply the infrastructure needed for these stands. A visit to the site of the newly sold stands made it clear that quite a lot of work still needs to be done before these stands can be developed into a residential area. Although the sewage pipes seem to be in place and fire hydrants have been installed, no sign could be detected of stakes that demarcate the boundaries of the stands and no evidence of pipes for domestic water supply could be found.

These stands were proclaimed in 1993, at which time these markers and stakes were probably put in place. Over the last 15 years, however, the area was used as grazing for cattle and other livestock, with the result that it had become totally overgrown. Whoever has bought a stand in this area will have to make a concerted effort to denude it and to establish the stand’s boundaries.

In response to questions put to the municipality regarding the selling of the stands, the municipal spokesperson, Mr Louis Bobodi, supplied the following information:

A total of 152 stands were sold. The lowest purchase price fetched was R177 000 and the highest was R269 000. The average purchase price was R190 000. The municipality has already linked up the services for the new stands with the existing main services. Purchasers have a period of three years to develop the property in terms of its residential zoning. The moratorium on new developments that has been in effect for some time now does not affect these stands sold on 25 April. A total of 223 people registered to participate in the auction. None of them complained about the price but rather expressed their satisfaction that they had acquired property. No complaints were received about the way in which the auction had been conducted and many attendants expressed their satisfaction with the way in which Ms. De Waal had handled the auction.