Minister Simmers hands over houses in Bredasdorp

There were tears of joy today, as 33 beneficiaries in Areas F and H in Bredasdorp received their homes from the Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers. 

Minister Simmers said: “It is always humbling to be part of a lifechanging experience for our beneficiaries. These are truly deserving beneficiaries, as some are disabled, farmworkers and backyard dwellers and have been on the waiting list for between 15 and 29 years. 

I will continue to share in their joy, particularly since these homes bring about an immediate improvement in their lives. In addition, these new homes are also assisting in combatting COVID-19, as it is strengthening social distancing, while also helping to improve hygiene practices.” 

One of the beneficiaries, 56-year old Ms Katriena Dawids who was on the waiting list for 24 years, said: “I am truly grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank God, the Minister and everyone else that made it possible. I never thought this day would come and this is a day I will never forget.”

Area F, which as a budget of over R65,2 million and commenced in October 2018, is set to yield 569 top structures. This site has already delivered 165 units. Area H, which has an allocation of more than R22,9 million commenced in March 2019. This site is expected to yield 158 top structures, and thus far, it has already delivered 83 units.

Minister Simmers added: “I’d like to encourage our beneficiaries to value their new asset. They should also speedily draft a will to ensure they leave a legacy behind for their children. I’m looking forward to returning to this municipality in the near future, to hand over the balance of the 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 and safe society.”