29 Jan 2018

Residents of Xhosa 2 ward in Mahalapye have called on government to demolish the abandoned and dilapidated asbestos houses in the village.

The appeal was made through a VDC report presented at a kgotla gathering recently  but that the old structures are not only an eyesore but also pose health hazard and also with the potential of harbouring criminals.

Presenting at a kgotla meeting addressed by Mahalapye West MP, Mr Joseph Molefe, VDC vice chairperson, Mr Onkarabile Shatera said the committee engages some members of the community through Ipelegeng collecting litter and debushing within Mahalapye.

He, however said collecting litter and debushing at the unoccupied residents with asbestos structures becomes a challenge as it will be a health risk.

Mr Shatera therefore called for the demolition of the structures as they accommodate criminals.

Responding to the residents’ request, MP Molefe indicated that government has given the deputy district commissioner’s office in Mahalapye through the Department of Building and Engineering Services a task to remove the structures as they have been long abandoned as health practitioners have long revealed that asbestos is a threat to good health.

Mr Molefe, therefore promised the residents that he would make a follow-up with the relevant authorities to establish as to what could have caused the delay.

He said government had no intention of refurbishing and utilising the structures as they are not fit for human habitation due to health reasons.

“There are 22 such structures in Mahalapye. I will investigate and give you proper feedback in the near future,” he added.

Meanwhile, the VDC chairperson at Dilaene 2 ward, Mr Tebogo Baatshwana has also appealed to government to rout asbestos structures at Leetile Primary School.

Mr Baatshwana further stated that the school is in need of major maintenance as the structures are dilapidated.  

Responding to Mr Baatshwana’s concern, councillor for Dilaene ward, Mogakolodi Bagwasi stated that council is aware of the current situation of structures at Leetile Primary School.

Cllr Bagwasi said the school has been catered for under schools maintenance through the Backlog Eradication Programme.

He said funds permitting, the situation at the school will be fully addressed.

Cllr Bagwasi said other primary schools catered for major maintenance in Mahalapye West constituency include Ngakaagae and Frederick Maherero. ENDS