Modimolle-Mookgophong Democratic Alliance (DA) Mayor Marlene van Staden is adamant that close to 190 title deeds that were handed over to residents of Alma will not be returned to the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta).
Van Staden joined DA Premier Candidate Jacques Smalle at a media briefing at the DA’s offices in the city this morning (Thursday) and explained that three senior officials of Coghsta handed over 184 title deeds for RDP houses in Alma to the municipality on 8 April and that most of the documents were recently handed over to the beneficiaries. “On 23 April I received a call from Mr Lanny Ramothwala, a director at Coghsta, informing me that Coghsta will visit our offices to retrieve the title deeds. No reasons were given for the request. I have immediately directed a letter to the MEC for Coghsta, Jerry Ndou, informing him that the municipality will not surrender the title deeds that are still in our possession to anyone and will even assist persons who have already received their title deeds from the municipality, to take legal action if necessary,” Van Staden said.
Coghsta Spokesperson Mothupa Selomo could not be reached on his mobile phone at the time of going to press.
Story and photo: BARRY VILJOEN
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