âââ KATLEHO MORAPELA 15:34 Fri, 12 Mar 2021
Informal settlement dwellers in Bloemfontein and surrounding areas might soon breathe a sigh of relief.
This, as the Free State Human Settlements Department confirms the upgrade of informal settlements and the restoration of title deeds is a key priority in the 2021/22 financial year.
Briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Finance earlier on Friday, the departmentâs acting Chief Financial Officer, Nozipho Molikoe, said the department remains committed to providing adequate houses to residents in the province and ensuring that property ownership for the previously disadvantaged is realised. She told the committee, led by the Chief Whip of the Free State Legislature, Vusi Tshabalala, that the departmentâs budget has, however, been decreased by 5%, which might affect the departmentâs ability to fill vacant positions.