Western Cape Human settlements ensuring homes for people with disabilities | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape Human settlements ensuring homes for people with disabilities

3 September 2021

As we commemorate “Casual Day” today, which highlights the needs of persons living with disabilities, it is important to highlight the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements’ (WCDoHS) provision of housing opportunities to persons living with a medically certified disability as one of its primary priorities.

We want to ensure that residents who are part of the most vulnerable in society, live in improved, safer and dignified homes that meets their primary needs. We’re fully committed to assisting these residents, and this is why in all of our housing projects, we’ve included a 5% allocation for persons within this category.

People living with medically certified disabilities have already taken occupancy of homes across the province. As an example, in the Forest Village Housing Development, which is located in the Eersteriver area and where to date,  2 849 deserving and qualifying residents have thus far benefitted from this catalytic project, 101 are persons living with medically certified disabilities. This is just under 5% of the overall total to date.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Brandon Roland, who is a qualified plumber and tradesman and who took occupancy of his home in February 2020 said: “My life improved a lot, considering that I was a backyard dweller. I thank God for the people that gave me this house. This shows that there are people that do care about us with disabilities.”

Another beneficiary, Ms Asenathi Maselana, who previously lived in Mfuleni, and moved in two weeks ago, said: “Getting this house means so much to me and it is a definite dream come true. Having lived in a shack was very uncomfortable, especially with my wheelchair. I am grateful to all who made this possible.”

It is critical to note that to qualify for a Breaking New Ground (BNG)/free fully state subsidised house, you have to be registered on the Housing Demand Database (HDD), with all the relevant documentation.

We are fully aware that disabilities differ and for this reason each case is treated with sensitivity, care, respect and professionalism, so that the dignity of those we are assisting is assured. In addition to this, the approved persons or their siblings whom are full time wheelchair bound will be provided with a 45m² house in lieu of the standard 40m² house so as to facilitate their circumstances.

 As the Western Cape Government, we remain 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 Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 3397
Mobile: 082 721 3362
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

or

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