Minister conducts public meeting about Ithemba and Welmoed housing projects | Western Cape Government

News

News

Minister conducts public meeting about Ithemba and Welmoed housing projects

17 February 2020

Yesterday, Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers, met with local residents who could potentially benefit from the planned Ithemba – and Welmoed Housing Projects in the Eerste River and Blackheath areas.

As these were the first public engagements, residents were presented with the scope of these catalytic projects, which will comprise of mixed developments, such as Breaking New Ground (BNG)/Free Housing, Finance Linked and Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) and social housing opportunities. Residents were also informed of further engagements that will follow, as well as the criteria that will be used to identify potential beneficiaries.

As a reminder the criteria consists of:

  1. The elderly
  2. People with disabilities
  3. Child-headed households
  4. Those longest (15 years and longer) on the waiting list)
  5. Backyard dwellers (only for new/Greenfield projects)

 

It is estimated that Ithemba could yield approximately 2 400 housing opportunities, with provision being made for public open spaces, 2 school sites, community and commercial facilities and play areas. For its part, Welmoed could yield approximately 8 000 housing opportunities, with provision being made for public open spaces, 3 school sites, community and commercial facilities and play areas.

 

Minister Simmers said: “It is vital that communities understand that they are key stakeholders in this entire process. I commend the community members for their participation, indulgence and patience and I am looking forward to engaging them in the future.

Now that residents have received first-hand information, I call on them to ensure that they are not influenced or misled by so-called community leaders who might have ulterior motives or seeking to derail these developments. I’d like to encourage residents to engage their Ward Councillors and Sub-Councils should they have any further queries.

In addition to this, and as we’ll embark on rolling out our Housing Demand Database Registration and Verification Drive in the Metro, residents should take this opportunity to either register for the first time or update their details. This is critical, as only those who are on the Housing Demand Database and traceable, will be assisted.

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

Media Enquiries: 

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