Destruction of houses on West Coast hampers delivery

Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers, strongly condemns the destruction of 53 newly built houses in Noordhoek, Velddrif, in the Bergrivier Municipal area.

These units are part of the area’s Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP), where 107 houses are being constructed. It is alleged that over the last two days, protestors with so-called service delivery demands, set these houses and the local library alight. The damage is currently estimated at R4,2 million.

Minister Simmers said: “The behaviour of these protestors is nothing else but pure thuggery. Their actions are completely counter-productive, as it not only hampers the delivery of houses, but now also denies deserving beneficiaries an opportunity to move into their new homes. Criminal actions will never be condoned and I call on the law enforcement authorities to act swiftly against these perpetrators, so that they can face the full might of the law.

My intention was to visit the area tomorrow, 17 October 2019 and conduct a public meeting, but I will not legitimise the actions of those who caused these damages. I will continue to engage the Mayor and propose a new date as to when I will visit the area.

I’d like to urge all citizens who need housing assistance from government, to register at their local housing office. Residents that are already registered should ensure that their details are up to date, particularly if contact information has changed since registration.

We remain committed to having meaningful engagements with communities, so that we can come up innovative solutions to the various housing challenges faced in the province.”