Affordable housing opportunities grows through Social Housing Developments | Western Cape Government

News

Affordable housing opportunities grows through Social Housing Developments

17 March 2021

Yesterday, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers visited and engaged with residents of the newly developed Regent Villas Social Housing Project in Weltevreden Valley, Mitchells Plain. This comes barely a week after a similar engagement with residents of the Anchorage Social Housing Project in Glenhaven, Bellville.

Minister Simmers said: “These social housing developments are essential levers in the affordable housing market ladder, as it ensures that our residents have access to cheaper opportunities that is not possible in the open market. As a province that has the greatest number of Social Housing Projects in the country, which currently stands at 8, this confirms our commitment of ensuring more affordable housing opportunities are available.”

Regent Villas, which has a budget of just over R 41 million, has a total of 104 units, with 32 units (30%) allocated to the primary beneficiaries earning between R 1500.00 and R 5500.00 per month, and 72 units (70%) allocated to the secondary beneficiaries earning between R 5501.00 and R 15000.00 per month. Rental cost for these units, which consists of bachelor, 1- and 2-bedroom units and considers each tenant’s personal situation, ranges between R 625 and R 4 866 per month.

Construction commenced in March 2019, and to date, 77 units have already been handed over.

Simmers commented further: “I am also pleased to note that Povicom, who is responsible for this development is a newly formed emerging, Black-Owned, non-profit company. I am also happy to note that they intend to provide a crèche facility for children of the tenants and also intend to establish engagement with tenants by means of community uplifting ventures such as skills creation programs.

This shows what can be achieved through the continued collaboration of the various spheres of government, the partnerships with the Social Housing entities, as well as our residents, whom we regard as the key stakeholder in everything that we do.”

Regent Villas has two further extensions, which in total will deliver 171 Social Housing opportunities by the end of 2024. Construction on extension 1 will commence in June 2021 and it is estimated to deliver 60 units, while extension 2 will commence in June 2023 with an estimated delivery of 111.

One of the residents that moved in, 57-year old Ms Tania Collins said: “I am very happy, and I feel free, as this is the first time, I have a space of my own. The 24-hour security makes me feel safe and the kids can also play the park, because of the secure environment that is provided.”

Another resident, 36-year old Mrs Natalie Roberts said: “I'm living in peace and harmony in my perfect unit, which is just right for me and my family. I am very, very happy. We have our own space; the complex is secured, and we are not trapped in a small room anymore.”

“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,” concluded Minister Simmers.

Media Enquiries: 

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

or

Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za