Polokwane Municipality to formalise Juju Valley

The Polokwane Municipality are in the process of formalising the Juju Valley informal settlement, Seshego. The Juju Valley is occupied by residents who have built shacks on private property along Matlala Road in the Capricorn District. It is an area that has been unoccupied for many years.

Over the years, the municipality has issued a warning to land grabbers to stop occupying the property, emphasising that violators risk jail time and the demolition of their buildings.

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But following a council sitting on Wednesday, Mayor John Mpe announced that a decision has been taken to purchase the private property. Once the process is finalised, it will mean the residents of Juju Valley will receive municipal services. This includes water, sanitation, electricity and other services.

PROCESS OF FORMALISING JUJU VALLEY INFORMAL SETTLEMENT UNDERWAY

“Council has resolved to engage private landowners in negotiations for the acquisition of land occupied by informal settlers in Juju Valley. While we are committed to finding sustainable housing solutions, we strongly condemn illegal land occupation,” said Mpe.

“We urge all residents to participate in formal consultation processes, as disorderly land grabs will not be tolerated. Those who unlawfully occupy land will also face strict legal consequences.

“Our goal remains to integrate all communities into the economic and service framework of Polokwane while upholding the rule of law and sustainable urban planning.”