Three sod turnings represents the start of new integrated human settlements

Conducting the three sod turnings between this past Thursday and Friday in Blompark, Gansbaai, in the Overstrand Municipality, in Railton, Swellendam and in Melkhoutfontein, Farm 480 – 111, which is located in the Hessequa Municipal area, clearly demonstrates how both the Western Cape Government and its partners at local government level are working towards creating safer and improved living conditions for deserving and qualifying beneficiaries in this province.

All three developments form part of the Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP). This effectively means that it will not only be a mixed development, consisting of houses for various income groups, but will also include commercial and recreational spaces.

Minister Simmers said: “This is not only the start of a new human settlement development, but also the continuation of how the provincial and local spheres of government are working together for the people. These are momentous projects that will not only improve the living conditions of the people of these municipalities, but it will make a significant difference to the areas.

As much as we’ve commenced with this process, I’d like to call on these communities to ensure that the sites are not invaded and to work hand-in-hand with their various Project Steering Committees (PSC) and local municipality to identify and finalise the beneficiary lists so that when the actual units are completed, the correct residents can benefit.

It is critical that the potential beneficiaries are registered on the Housing Demand Database, and that they are the most vulnerable in these communities, such as the elderly, which is 60 years and older, those living with medically certified disabilities, those that have been on the waiting list for 15 years and longer and backyard dwellers.”

The Blompark Housing Development in Gansbaai, which has a budget allocation of just over R 78 million will deliver 539 top structures. It is expected to be concluded by the end of March 2023. The Railton development in Swellendam, which has a budget allocation of just over R 76 million will deliver 965 serviced sites and is expected to be concluded by the end of February 2023. Melkhoutfontein, Farm 480 – 111, which is in the Hessequa Municipal area, and has a budget allocation of R 44, 6 million will deliver 590 serviced sites. It is expected to be concluded by February 2023.

“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 Simmers.