2010 – Bophelong:  Emfuleni Local Municipality joined hands with ArcelorMittal industry to develop the old townships in the form of Bophelong and Boipatong. The project is initiated to replace the old asbestos roofs with those that are made of corrugated zinc in the two townships.

The project got off in May and has given temporary jobs to 40 community members from the townships in an effort to alleviate poverty. According to Mr. Paul Ramgaye, who is the project leader, about 600 households have already benefitted from the project and a mere 29 houses are still outstanding. The project was conceived after the asbestos roofing was destroyed by hail during heavy rains and storms.

Already the old Boipatong hall which has been yearning for some renovations for a long time also received some attention from the project. A snap survey indicated the happiness and contentment from the beneficiaries as most of them had no means to repair the damaged roofing.

A local resident, Mr. Moses Manoto, indicated the project is a good gesture and example for the people to do it for themselves because it benefits the local residents. “It is high time that residents stop complaining about service delivery, they should stand up and initiates certain projects with the local municipality,” advises Manato.