31 Jul 2016

The  Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi says his ministry has made a decision to demolish 18 government asbestos houses in Mahalapye because they are an eye sore to the public.

Mr Molefhi said the decision was taken after an assessment of the facilities by the Department of Building and Engineering Services (DBES).

He added that there were no plans to renovate the houses.

“In May 2013 the Mahalapye District Development Committee made a recommendation to Ministry of Lands and Housing to have the 18 government asbestos houses demolished as they were an eye sore and also a safe haven for criminals,” Mr Molefhi said. 

The Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West, Mr Joseph Molefe had asked the minister to state when the houses would be renovated as some have now been abandoned.

He also enquired about the schedule of maintenance of government buildings by DBES in Mahalapye, and plans in place to ensure that maintenance carried out by occupants of government houses were according to specifications and original plans.

Mr Molefhi stated that the procedure was that occupants should report any maintenance requirements to their ministries or departments who were in turn responsible to carry out required maintenance with DBES supervising.

He said the old police station and houses, state prison and prison college in Mahalapye were scheduled for refurbishment this financial year. ENDS