Greater Kosovo informal settlement support and upgrade programme to commence

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says, while his Department’s Stakeholder Relations officials are currently engaging the various community structures in DuNoon, plans are afoot to commence with a similar process in the Greater Kosovo.

It is envisaged that these engagements will commence within the next week, and will include the Ward Councillors, Ward Committees, Project Steering Committees (PSC’s), Health and Social Development officials, as well as members of the South African Police Services (SAPS).

Minister Simmers said: “As in DuNoon, the most vulnerable, which includes the elderly, disabled and backyard dwellers will be prioritised. It is critical for residents to be aware that their health and well-being remains our priority.

The Rapid Informal Settlement Support and Upgrade Programme (RISSUP)/re-blocking of informal settlements is critical, as it will assist with social distancing. Since the National Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu identified these areas, we’ve been actively working on starting this process.

We have to #StopTheSpread of COVID-19.

To date my officials have already and are continuing to engage the DuNoon Ward Councillor, the Ward Committee, Health and Social Development officials, including SAPS. Further talks with relevant leadership structures will also commence in due course. Pursuant to the conclusion of these engagements, flyers will be issued, both manually and electronically so that a wider audience is informed of the process.

As part of our options, we’re considering building 3-storey (see attached) Temporary Residential Units (TRU’s) in the respective Temporary Residential Area (TRA’s). This will consist of 1 500 for DuNoon and 2 000 for the Greater Kosovo.

Throughout this process, we will continue to engage and work with the National Department of Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation, the City of Cape Town and the Housing Development Agency.

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