Potchefstroom’s asbestos removal: What to expect in 2025?
Potchefstroom is preparing for a significant asbestos removal project slated to begin in the 2025/2026 financial year.
The North West Provincial Department of Human Settlements is spearheading a comprehensive asbestos removal programme across the province, including the J.B. Marks Local Municipality. The initiative, which aims to address asbestos concerns in both residential and public buildings, involves several key stages and meticulous planning.
The first step in the programme was a thorough assessment conducted throughout the province, including J.B. Marks Local Municipality. This assessment is critical in identifying affected areas and planning subsequent actions. Representatives from the Department participated in a recent Housing Lekgotla held on Friday, 19 July 2024, where they outlined the process moving forward.
Jeanette Tshite, Acting Communications Manager at JB Marks Municipality, shared insights into the programme’s progress: “Once the assessment is complete, the next step will be applying for funding. This project will then be incorporated into the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP). We anticipate that the actual removal of asbestos will begin in the 2025/2026 Financial Year. It is crucial that affected residents are relocated for at least three days to ensure a safe and effective removal and replacement process.”
The municipality is not involved in the budgetary details but will collaborate with the North West Provincial Government on long-term plans for affected areas. Follow-up assessments and reports will be conducted to evaluate the success and impact of the asbestos removal once the project is finalized.
In Promosa, where asbestos removal is a pressing issue, residents have expressed frustration over the lengthy process. Bradley Lavars, a local resident, voiced concerns about the waiting period: “The delay in removing the asbestos is causing significant distress among residents. We hope that the municipality can expedite the process or provide more frequent updates.”
Despite the challenges and the slow pace of progress, the municipality has given a positive response regarding the initiative. The commitment to addressing asbestos issues reflects a broader effort to improve public health and safety in the region.
