More than 200 beneficiaries benefit from Forest Village Housing Project

Since the end of May 2020, 246 units have been handed over to beneficiaries in the Forest Village Housing Development in Eersteriver. Of the 246 units that were handed over, 224 went to residents from Wards 16, 17, 108 and 114, while 22 were handed over to residents from Boys Town in Nyanga.

A further 89 beneficiaries are expected to move into Forest Village later this week.

I’m pleased that we’ve been able to assist such a large group of people in a short period. We have committed to accelerating our delivery and these handovers clearly demonstrate it. We regard all handovers as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our people and their families.

The handovers are also assisting in combatting COVID-19, as it ensures and strengthens social distancing, while also helping to improve hygiene practices. I’m also looking forward to handing over more houses in this community, as well as the rest of the province.

My Department’s officials and our contractors have truly heeded our call to work at a rapid pace to ensure that houses are delivered to the most vulnerable in our communities, while still observing all the necessary Occupational Health and Safety protocols.

Forest Village is one of the Department’s Catalytic Projects, which commenced in January 2016 and has a budget allocation of R1,1 billion. This mixed-use development consists of various types of units to cater for beneficiaries of different income levels and specific needs such as Military Veterans, Breaking New Ground (BNG) and Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) units.

I’d also like to remind our beneficiaries that they now have a responsibility to take care of their homes. It is important they value the asset they’ve received. We encourage them to draft a will and ensure they leave a legacy for their children.

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.