The MEC of the Limpopo Department of Housing and Local Government, Mr Soviet Lekganyane, told the residents of Tshikota last Sunday that their problem of incomplete RDP houses in the area will soon be a thing of the past.

Lekganyane visited the township after the community members, who are beneficiaries of the 170 RDP houses, complained to his department that they had waited long enough for the houses and were fed-up with the fact that the project was not progressing.

“I am quite aware of the RDP house problem in Tshikota. I know that there are people who have been waiting for their houses since 1994 and this was because the developers or contractors that were appointed were failing to complete the houses,” he said.

He added that, as the MEC of the department, he did not owe any developer any money and he was going to take harsh action against the developers. “My department had appointed a contractor in 2004 to build 170 RDP houses in Tshikota, but this contractor failed to complete even eight houses. So, as the MEC, I took a resolution that I must take this contract and give it to a contractor who is ready to work, to complete the houses,” he said.

Lekganyane promised the residents of Tshikota that their houses would be completed before March next year.

“Government has the money to build houses for the people, but contractors are letting us down. I recently met with developers in a meeting that was held in Polokwane, but they were unable to explain why they failed to complete the houses. That is why I am going to appoint new developers who are ready to work,” said Lekganyane.

During the MEC’s visit, the people of Tshikota also protested against their ward councillor, Cllr Gideon Ntshauba, whom they accused of neglecting his duties. The protesters were calmed down by the brave mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr Mavhungu Luruli, who stood up and talked to the angry community members.

Responding to the protest, Lekganyane told community members that he had never received any complaints concerning Ntshauba and that he was surprised and disappointed with the behaviour of the Tshikota residents.

“What I am here for is not to witness your infighting, but to solve the housing problem. If anyone of you has a problem with councillor Ntshauba, then I must get a report on that. But I am here to make sure that you get the houses. We have money as government and you will get the houses,” promised Lekganyane.

According to the chairperson of SANCO, Pastor Philemon Mashau, it was high time that the people of Tshikota start to be united and fight for their rights together. “We are hoping that, within a period of six months, the housing project will be completed as the MEC has promised,” he said.

Mirror learnt during its visit to the site on Sunday, that community members have decided to erect shacks next to their RDP slabs that were left uncompleted.