North West moves to unblocked stalled projects

By Omphile Mokwena

Facing mounting pressure over stalled infrastructure, housing delays and persistent service delivery failures, the North West provincial government has turned to Phase 5 of the Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded programme to revive blocked projects and confront long-standing backlogs across several municipalities.

The latest phase focused on areas where roads, housing developments and public facilities had either stalled or failed to meet community expectations, with provincial departments deployed directly to sites of complaint.

Residents were given access to on-the-ground services while officials were required to account for delays and provide timelines for completion.

Provincial Premier’s office spokesperson Brain Setswambung said the Thuntsha Lerole programme was  designed to accelerate service delivery by removing bottlenecks where they exist and ensuring that government services reach communities without delay.

“It is also about accountability, where communities can engage directly with the leadership of government,” he said.

Infrastructure delivery dominated the programme, reflecting the scale of road deterioration across the province. In Khuma township, Premier Lazarus Mokgosi handed over a newly completed two-kilometre paved road and stormwater project in extensions 32 and 39. In Letlhabile, the upgraded 2.2km Legonyane cemetery road — a key access route past Letlhabile Secondary School — was officially opened. Pothole repairs were also carried out along the P63/1 road.

Housing, a major source of community protest in recent years, was addressed in targeted areas. In Gamogopa village, Human Settlements MEC Gaoage Molapisi handed over three RDP houses and 246 title deeds, a move aimed at resolving long-standing ownership disputes and unblocking delayed projects. Additional housing handovers were conducted in Ventersdorp.

In the City of Matlosana, three houses were handed over to military veterans in Tigane township. Beneficiary Leisemane Mosilaphala said the handover had brought long-awaited stability.

“This is more than just a house. It is a place of comfort and security for my family,” he said.

Economic support interventions formed part of the programme, particularly in agriculture. In Madibeng Local Municipality, Agriculture MEC Madoda Sambatha handed over greenhouse tunnels valued at R2.5 million to JT Farm Fresh, intended to enable year-round production and improve crop yields. Subsistence farmers in other municipalities received agricultural support packages.

Infrastructure projects were also completed in Kgetlengrivier, Ditsobotla, Mahikeng and Ratlou, aimed at improving mobility for residents, workers and freight transport. The province delivered yellow fleet machinery worth R100 million, with districts encouraged to share equipment to address persistent road maintenance backlogs.

Compliance operations accompanied the visits, including tuckshop inspections, roadblocks and enforcement actions. Clinics and school infrastructure projects were handed over, furniture was delivered to under-resourced schools, sports clubs received equipment and funding support was extended to non-profit organisations.

“Through its various phases, Thuntsha Lerole has proven to be an effective tool for unblocking projects and restoring dignity to communities.

 “While the challenges remain significant, the province is committed to increasing the pace of delivery and ensuring that even the most remote areas are reached,” Setswambung said.