Department Will Not Allow Land Invaders to Delay Thembalethu Development | Western Cape Government

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Department Will Not Allow Land Invaders to Delay Thembalethu Development

12 September 2017

Today, 12 September 2017 the Provincial Department of Human Settlements demolished 87 illegal structures that were built on various portions of its land in Thembalethu in George.

The Department obtained an interdict to demolish the illegal structures and notices were put up, hence the demolition.

The structures were built in portions 197, 51 and 52 which the Department is planning to develop for mixed-use.

Over four thousand housing opportunities will be delivered in this area under the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP).

The first phase of the project which consists of one thousand, seven hundred and fifty (1750) housing opportunities has been completed and beneficiaries have taken occupation of the opportunities.

The Department is busy with the second phase of the project and the invaded area forms part of the development footprint therefore the Department had to act on the illegal invasion as it would have adverse impact on the implementation of the subsequent phases.

Head of Human Settlements Implementation in the Department, Ms Phila Mayisela said the invasion of land will delay this housing project and affect many beneficiaries who have been waiting patiently for houses.

“We cannot allow a handful of people to delay a project that will benefit thousands of families who are going to benefit in this housing project. If people are not happy about anything related to our housing allocation they are always welcome to talk to us,” said Ms Mayisela.

Media Enquiries: 

Mr Nathan Adriaanse
Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 021 483 2868
Cell: 083 263 1720

Mrs Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson to Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Tel: 021 483 4798
Cell: 082 953 0026