By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – In a move intended to bridge the gap of unemployment in poverty stricken areas of Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality, Nthoese Development has injected R200m to redevelop Setsing plaza, where 1,250 permanent jobs will be created.
The construction of the mall is expected to take 16 months, and 2,500 people – mainly locals and those who have been operating from Setsing as hawkers – are expected to be employed.
This was disclosed by the CEO of Nthoese Development Seabelo Theledi during the sod turning ceremony on Wednesday this week.
The launch came after months of consultations between the Maluti-A-Phofung municipality leadership and businesses operating from Setsing Plaza, including hawkers.
“I come from a township in the rural area and I understand the situation here, as well as the challenges and what is needed. For the past few months we have been doing liaison work, interacting with community structures and organs of society to understand their needs, and how we can accommodate. This project is not ours but belongs to the community, we are just implementing agents.”
Theledi also clarified why some parts of the building have to be demolished during the redevelopment.
“One of the concerns is that we are destroying part of the shopping centre. Let me clarify: at the moment the centre is about 23 000 square metres, so what we intend to do is to join part of the centre, and the final product will be 28 000 square metres. This means we are extending it. We are demolishing but we are improving it.”
Theledi said through engagement and consultation, they managed to convince the hawkers who were resistant and feared their jobs would be affected negatively.
“Hawkers are accommodated and will have their own stalls; we know they play a crucial role in the growth on economy.”
Maluti-a-phofung local municipality Executive Executive Mayor Gilbert Mokotso has thanked Nthoese development for investing in the municipality.
“ I am happy that our people will be employed. Others will work as sub contractors .i am also relieved that hawkers who have been operating from the center will be accommodated. “
3 Responses
Good day
I would like to know if I need to apply for subcontractor what to do and where to go.
Best regards Christian
From Chrismo General Trading
Hire more security!!! Clean up the mall and and build fences with 24 hours surveillance. People are being robbed around Setsing, some sadly loose their lives because of criminals that can easily access the shopping center and runaway unlike the Maluti crescent which is fenced off and people cannot go inside while it’s closed.
Qwaqwa should have been modified than now long time ago! Me must have our big beautiful mall next to uniqwa before you enter qwaqwa! I’m sad the way thing are here in qwaqwa! Everybody fills his pocket instead of modifying qwaqwa! Qwaqwa has a huge nation and need to have few malls maybe three malls. When we’re outside qwaqwa we even get sad to distinguish ourselves that we’re from qwaqwa. I’m staying here in Tseki arrount Court , Police Station and clinic! But no electricity most of the time! Crime is so high! We need Apollo light right next to court which will light all surrounding areas. Pls help Apollo light pls. And we don’t have water since from 2016! Disgusting life. I love my qwaqwa with all of my heart but I’m sad! Get in the village’s streets you’ll see! Only grass and water ,mud! What kind of streets are that? Pls You those who are in power try to modify qwaqwa.