Chairperson, the farming community of Diyatalawa outside Harrismith in the Free State, can now look forward to a brighter future after living in mud houses with no electricity and running water. This is because the ANC Free State provincial government and Department of Rural Development and Land Reform have recently introduced a housing scheme where 74 square metre houses are fitted with solar energy.
This initiative assists those who are unable to afford electricity costs and replaces the dilapidated mud structures which were previously occupied by the residents in the area.
The ANC-led government has prioritised rural development, mainly because it understands that the growth of the rural economy is crucial to curbing poverty and advancing development. The area of Diyatalawa was identified as one of the pilot sites in a province for the government's nationwide Comprehensive Rural Development Programme, CRDP.
The ANC views the recently introduced housing scheme in the Diyatalawa area as a resounding success and believes that the project can be emulated in other rural areas. Thank you.