SOD turning for Silverton signals new beginning in Khayelitsha

On the Tuesday, 16 November, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements Minister Tertuis Simmers conducted a sod turn in the Silverton Emergency Housing Project Phase 1A, in Khayelitsha.

This emergency development is in response to a devasting fire in the SST Silvertown Informal Settlement, where over 342 families were displaced. The Silvertown Emergency Housing project, which consists of Alternative Building Technology (ABT), has a budget allocation of R 243 million. This development will not only assist the 342 families affected by the fire, but will also be a long term building structure with a temporary accommodation (TRA) solution, particularly for those who might be in need of emergency accommodation while they’re waiting for permanent placement. The development will consist of 4-storey units and create 1 542 temporary housing opportunities.

Minister Simmers said: “This development has experienced various delays, but now that we’ve finally conducted the sod turning, I’m looking forward to seeing how it unfolds. Through this development our people would be able to live in a dignified and safe manner, which signifies a new beginning for all those who suffered tremendous loss during the fire. I’d like to thank the Project Steering Committee and all stakeholders for ensuring that no invasions occurred on this property and I’d like to assure them all that just as the Western Cape Government is fulfilling its commitment to this project, we’ll continue to do so in a transparent manner. I further call on all community members and relevant stakeholders to protect this property from any attempts of invasion, as this will only further delay the continuation of this important development.

I’m pleased to note that this development will create a number of job, empowerment and economic opportunities for the immediate residents. It is critical to the Western Cape Government that the immediate community optimally benefit from this development”.

The construction of top structures in Phase 1A is expected to be completed by the end of November 2022.

Simmers concluded “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”.