Re-roofing project commences in Bophelong Out with the old and in with the new!

Mmasabata Mofurutsi

In 2009 ArcelorMittal and the Emfuleni Local Municipality signed a memorandum of understanding to re-roof houses in Bophelong and . To date, approximately 1250 roofs in Bophelong have been replaced.

In 2009 ArcelorMittal South Africa and the Emfuleni Local Municipality signed a memorandum of understanding to re-roof houses in Bophelong and Boipatong - the two townships adjacent to the Company’s Works. The project was initiated by ArcelorMittal South Africa at the request of the two communities.

The aim of the partnership was to re-roof approximately 3376 houses which still had asbestos roofs and replace them with new galvaniszed zinc sheets. In July 2012 ArcelorMittal started the re- roofing project in both communities. Many houses in Bophelong had their roofs replaced, and only a few houses remained. The projects kicked off again on Monday, 28 January 2013 in Bophelong where the final nine houses had their roofs replaced.

Mme ma Radebe (77) was the first to get her roof fixed. She said: “I am very happy that I am finally getting my roof re-placed. The old roof had been leaking for years and during the rainy season, the rain would come pouring in. I can finally sleep peacefully at night knowing that I, my daughter and grandchildren are safe. The asbestos roof was a health hazard for me and my family and I am grateful to ArcelorMittal for the gift you gave to me, my family as well as my community”. To date approximately 1250 houses have had their roofs replaced in Bophelong.

This year ArcelorMittal South Africa has contracted the services of Fast Vents Ltd, a company that specialises in the removal and demolition of asbestos products. Mr. Daniel Mehlomakhulu the Marketing Manager of Fast Vents Ltd said; “I would like to take this chance to thank ArcelorMittal for giving us the opportunity to work together with them on this project. We are helping the community of Bophelong by removing their asbestos roofs and replacing them with new zinc roof sheets. Asbestos can be dangerous and has serious health implications. It has been a great pleasure for us to help these communities.”

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