Human Settlements Rollout Alternate Building Technology Project in Western Cape

Human Settlements Minister, Connie September accompanied by Western Cape Premier, Helen Zillle and Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements,  Bonginkosi Madikizela  handed over 106 houses at Delft 3 and 5 in Cape Town on 18 February 2014.

The hand over is in line with the vision of Minister Madikizela, which is to accelerate the delivery of houses in the Western Cape Province.  106 Units will be handed over in the first phase of the project and ten of those 106 units are disabled-friendly units. ABT's will ensure that the homes stay warmer in winter, experience less damp and have reduced energy costs as well.

The Department of Human Settlements is taking the issue of climate change seriously. The ABT would also have the following advantages for homeowners:

• Thermal performance in summer temperatures is similar to a standard brick house and better than a standard brick house in winter.
• Energy usage to heat the house will be much less than required for a standard brick house.
• Condensation is superior to a standard brick house and suitable for southern coastal condensation problem areas.

One of the beneficiaries who receive the specially built disabled-friendly units was Mr Ridwaan Lakay.

The first phase of the project was due to be completed and handed over to beneficiaries in October last year.  However, factors that led to delays in the handover included:

• Theft of materials
• Service delivery protests
• Issues of plans not corresponding with what was taking place on site
• Delay in receiving suitable materials

Facts and Figures of the project:

Total no. of units                               : 1911

Double Storey Units                          : 1713

Single Storey units                            : 198

Disabled units                                   : 55 (included in figures above)

Housing density                                : 120 units/ha

Contract value                                   : R370m

Commencement date                       : 21 Feb 2013

Contractual Completion date          : 06 May 2014

Partners                                            : City of Cape Town, NHBRC, DEA&DP