Minister Simmers delivers hope in Bitou

The Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers remains steadfast in his resolve to building hope through infrastructure projects across the Western Cape. He recently officiated two key events in Plettenberg Bay. On Tuesday, the Minister started the first day of a 2-day visit to the Garden Route region with a handover of the 30 houses in Qolweni. This handover officially marked a significant milestone in the project with the completion of Phase 1 of this housing project in the Bitou Municipality.
 
Construction of the R71 Million project began in August 2021 and has thus far delivered 169 houses. In its 18 months of implementation, the project created economic opportunities for 12 local Small Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). 3 SMMEs (one-woman contractors) have been upgraded to Level 2. A further 2 of these have now qualified for a Level 2 upgrade. An average of 50 Job opportunities per month was reported during the construction period.
 
59-year-old Samuel Blou who lived much of his life in informality, could barely hide his delight. “I am relieved, as I never expected this day would be this overwhelming. However, due to remaining hopeful it has finally come through. I am extremely grateful.”
 
Speaking on this milestone Minister Simmers said: “The legacy of this project will live on for many years and generations to come. One that will show what can be achieved when a steadfast community and the spheres of government work together toward achieving one common goal.”
 
The Minister proceeded his day with a much-anticipated public meeting with the community of Ebenheaser. Unbeknown to the community Minister Simmers came bearing good news. Following his last visit in September 2022, together with the Bitou municipality he committed to expedite the momentum of the Ebenheaser Housing project. To the delight of the audience Minister Simmers announced and introduced the newly appointed contractor for the Ebenheaser Housing project. 
 
Simply Do Construction company, has been appointed to build phase 1 of the project earmarked to create 154 Breaking New Ground and 25 Help Me Buy A Home houses. Simply Do Construction company, will deliver the entire 179 houses within the next 52 weeks. It is expected that nearly 700 job opportunities will be created during this phase. 
 
For the 2023/24 fiscal year, an allocation of R57.8 Million has been set aside. This will be for the construction of top structures on portion 20 as well as the bulk services in portions 3 and 4 of the site. 
 
In addition to the pronouncement, Minister Simmers invited the community to the sod turning of this project on Wednesday 5 April. The Minister will be joined by the Executive Mayor of Bitou municipality Dave Swartz and Garden Route District municipality Executive Mayor Memory Booysen. 
 
“At my previous visit at the end of September 2022, I expressed my confidence to the community that we will expedite the commencement of this housing project. A project that will benefit the community of Ebenezer not only with houses but also the creation of job opportunities. The sod turning marks the beginning of construction. This is a demonstrable reassurance of the Western Cape Government’s commitment to building hope” concluded the Minister.