Qolweni housing dream edging closer to realisation

The first 66 qualifying beneficiaries of the Qolweni Phase 3A (169) housing project in Plettenberg Bay, can soon look forward to living in a dignified manner. This project that has been long overdue is nearing completion, with this first batch of units expected to be handed over by the end of April.

On 18 June 2021, the Bitou Municipality handed the project over to the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements (WCDoHS). Excluding professional fees, this project has an allocated budget of R33,5 million. Construction began in September 2021 and will be conducted over two phases. All 169 qualifying beneficiaries have been approved on the Housing Subsidy System (HSS).

Minister Simmers said: “I am delighted with the progress of this historic project. This development is the epitome of how swiftly housing opportunities can be delivered, when all stakeholders work towards the common goal of improving the lives of our people. This development is hugely significant and I want to applaud officials in my Department and in the Bitou Municipality, but more so community members for their patience and perseverance, along with the contractor for hitting the ground running. There are many that can learn valuable lessons from what is transpiring in this area. As construction continues, my request to all stakeholders is to ensure that we don’t allow elements to derail the progress, as this will only further delay what all of us are hoping to achieve. This update once again demonstrates our commitment to being transparent.

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.”