29 Jan 2020

Cabinet is to decide on the extension of housing leases for former BCL mine employees still occupying company houses.

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Lefoko Moagi said in an interview after an MPs tour of the mine Tuesday that government was aware the leases were expiring tomorrow.

The issue, he said, would be brought before cabinet for approval.

The employees, whose employment ended by virtue of the mine being liquidated, are still occupying the houses.

Mr Moagi said during a kgotla meeting he addressed at Botshabelo last December that government spent P2.6 million monthly on ex-employees’ rentals.

BCL owns and manages in excess of 2 100 housing units, hostel rooms, flats and bedsitters.

Mine liquidator, Mr Trevor Glaum informed the MPs that the bulk of the houses were currently leased to ex-BCL employees, some third parties such as SPEDU, BDF, companies and the care and maintenance staff.

He said a company named Belservest had been appointed to undertake a conditions and facilities audit by inspecting and assessing each property and to attend to the rental and maintenance functions utilising ex-BCL housing and maintenance staff.

Mr Glaum added that a housing estate security force had been established and trained to undertake regular patrols.

For his part, Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse said he was hopeful that cabinet would extend the leases.

He stated that if the former BCL employees were to vacate the houses, Selebi Phikwe would instantly become a ghost town.

He also said if the houses were not occupied, they could be vandalised or become a safe haven for criminals.

BCL mine currently has a labour force of 464 employees. ENDS