Barrydale housing handovers changing people’s lives | Western Cape Government

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Barrydale housing handovers changing people’s lives

12 April 2021

There was joy and excitement when 12 deserving and qualifying beneficiaries received the keys to their brand-new homes on Friday, 9 April, as part of the Smitsville Housing Project in Barrydale, in the Swellendam Municipal area. Along with the 32 units handed over last week, this brings the total number of units now occupied to 44. 

This development forms part of the Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP) that consists of 82 units, with one unit having been allocated to a military veteran. The balance of the units will be handed over during the course of the month. 

The construction of this project commenced on 4 November 2020 and has a budget allocation of over R 14,1 million. In order to create an aesthetically pleasing environment and to link the intersection, the road paving was done over a greater area.

Minister Simmers said: “Today’s handover brought me great joy. Less than two years ago we conducted a sod turning for this development and it is pleasing to be back in the area and witness how happy the beneficiaries are. As the Western Cape Government, we’ve made a commitment to improve our people’s lives, well-being and overall safety, while also restoring their dignity and this project demonstrates how we have and continue to fulfill that pledge.”

One of the couples who moved into their brand-new home, Mr Piet (74) – and Mrs Christina Mars (73) said: “This is overwhelming, and it feels as if it cannot be true. We’re both older than 70 and did not think we would have this opportunity. We are happy and very proud.”

Simmers added: “The actions of the ANC who attempted to interrupt proceedings is a complete disgrace and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Seeking to politicise such an important day for the beneficiaries is of poor taste and smacks of opportunism. We will never allow politics to stop us from assisting our people and changing their lives.

The Western Cape Government remains committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.”

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertius Simmers
Marcellino.Martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 9483 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za