Minister Simmers conducts oversight visit at Forest village development | Western Cape Government

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Minister Simmers conducts oversight visit at Forest village development

14 May 2020

Visiting a portion of the Forest Village Housing project in Eerste River, Cape Town, today, it was pleasing to note that the contractor is adhering to all health and safety protocols as issued by the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements. This is to ensure we stop the spread of COVID-19.

Last week, after it was confirmed that “critical public works construction,” which includes public human settlements development projects, would be allowed to recommence on Alert level 4, my Department issued a directive to all contractors, as to what needs to be in place, prior to employees returning to site.

Not only is the site adhering to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993) and all other regulations and legislation, but they’re also ensuring

 1. A safe and healthy working environment for all staff, contractors and sub-contractors to enable

- temperature reading;

- an induction video on how employees should conduct themselves on site;

- social distancing;

- the provision of sanitizers/hand wash facilities, PPE, symptoms screening on site;

- record-keeping and

- housekeeping and cleaning of workspace.

2. Ensure that measures are in place to deal with employees who display symptoms.

3. Ensure that transportation of employees adhere to the health and safety requirements.

4. Ensure that measures are in place to address mental health and wellbeing of employees.

A checklist has been provided to assist the construction industry to adhere to the regulatory and legislative requirements.

I intend visiting other portions of the Forest Village development in due course, particularly since there are multiple contractors on site. I will also conduct oversight visits at other human settlement projects across the province. It is critical that all contractors adhere to the various regulations and protocols.

I’m also pleased that over 200 residents will benefit from this development before 7 June. This means that those who are so desperately in need of a housing opportunity and that’s patiently been waiting, will be afforded the opportunity to move into their brand-new homes.

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.

Media Enquiries: 

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