Ebenezer housing project to benefit New Horizon and Qolweni residents | Western Cape Government

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Ebenezer housing project to benefit New Horizon and Qolweni residents

19 July 2019

Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers, says the Ebenezer piece of land identified for a housing project in the Bitou Municipal area, could benefit up to 1500 people.

Pursuant to the violent and unfortunate protests earlier this month in which a woman lost her life, Minister Simmers was invited on Sunday, 14 July, to respectively meet with the Bitou Municipal Council and community leaders from New Horizon and Qolweni. Following these meetings, false information surfaced that the Ebenezer piece of land, which is just over 63ha in size, will only be developed for Qolweni residents.

Minister Simmers said: “This is completely false and I reject it with contempt. I do not take kindly to characters who are seeking to divide communities by spreading lies. The land has been earmarked for New Horizon and Qolweni residents with a 50/50 allocation split.

I’ve requested an investigation into where these false rumours come from. I call on the community leaders to adhere to our discussion and agreements, and to along with the broader community ensure that no illegal occupation occurs.

The planning process for the land is underway and we anticipate Environmental Authorisation by the end of August 2019. This will be followed by submitting the planning application, with approval expected after 6 months.

Said Simmers: “It is clear that there are elements in the society seeking to disrupt the peace, but communities should reject this. Should everything go according to plan, a sod turning could take place as early as April 2020.

I’d also like to urge all citizens who need housing assistance from government, to register at their local housing office. Residents that are already registered should ensure that their details are up to date, particularly if contact information has changed since registration.

We remain committed to accelerate human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open society.” 

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 3397
Cell: 082 721 3362
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za