Premier Zille and Minister Madikizela to Hand over Houses in Boystown, Nyanga

The Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille, and Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Bonginkosi Madikizela, will hand over the first 11 houses in the Boystown Project on 24 May 2012.

The eldest beneficiary will be 91-year-old Mr Sikwela William Karadiya, who is currently living in the Open Space informal settlement. The remaining ten beneficiaries come from five different areas, namely Boystown, Philippi Park, Gqobasi, New Rest and Open Space, and range in age from 82 years old to 64 years old. The prioritisation of the elderly is an important criterion in the allocation of houses.

Boystown is an in-situ upgrading project, which means that basic services are installed and houses built as part of the upgrading of an existing informal settlement. When complete, the project will deliver 1 392 units, and will benefit residents from Boystown, Philippi Park, Gqobasi, New Rest, Open Space and Section 5. The development, managed by the Western Cape Government Human Settlements Department, will cost an estimated R196.8 million.

The department is very proud that the first 11 units will be handed over, as many hurdles have had to be overcome to reach this important milestone. The project has been challenged by difficulties such as conflict within the Boystown area, threats to the contractors and intimidation of workers and groups opposed to the construction of the houses.

A professional mediator has been hired to help resolve the conflict, and security has been beefed up on site with the assistance of the South African Police Service and the Metro Police.