eQolweni residents celebrate 1 year anniversary of project with keys to homes

On the eve of the one-year anniversary since the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers, conducted a sod turning in Qolweni, 36 qualifying beneficiaries were awarded keys to their new homes.

On Monday 29 August, Minister Simmers began his pre-cabinet outreach program in Plettenberg Bay, where he was joined by the Bitou Municipality to hand over keys to 36 additional houses in the Qolweni Phase 3A (169) project, following a delivery of 30 in June. The project is envisaged to create 169 housing opportunities during Phase 1 of construction against a budget of R33,5 million. During this phase 12 Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) were appointed and 248 job opportunities created.

Minister Simmers said: “Tuesday 30 August will mark a year since we conducted a sod-turning and promised the community of Qolweni to deliver actual houses and end their wait for an opportunity. I am delighted that we have achieved this and turned what was once hope into joy and reality for these community members.”

The minister later proceeded to George where together with the Garden Route District Municipality (GDRM) launched the new Social Housing partnership with Own Haven Housing Association, a leader in providing social housing products in viable locations across the country. This partnership amplifies the Western Cape Government’s intent on improving the lives of the residents by providing access into the homeownership market through affordable housing products. The delegation was taken on a site visit of sites earmarked for social housing projects.

“We welcome Own Haven, as the Social Housing Institute (SHI) of the Garden Route District and look forward to their planned social housing projects. Soon we will announce where their first project in the district will be, as we continue to reshape the face of home ownership and settlements” added Simmers.

The day’s program was concluded with a meeting at the Mossel Bay Municipality to engage on matters pertaining to infrastructure inclusive of roads and human settlements projects currently underway in the municipality. 

“The day’s programs signified the Western Cape Government’s commitment to build the province and economy through collaborative and innovative approach, that will enable every resident an opportunity to lead a better life in an inclusive society” concluded Simmers.