Rural Residents Housing Project In Oudtshoorn to be Launched by Madikizela

A pioneering housing project aimed at delivering housing solutions for rural residents will be launched in Spieskamp, Oudtshoorn by Western Cape Human Settlements Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela on 4 September 2015 and the Mayor of Oudtshoorn, Alderman Vernatt Van Der Westhuizen.

The Department has a strategic objective to promote partnerships in the Western Cape in order to help alleviate the housing need.  The Spieskamp project is a partnership between the Department of Human Settlements, the Oudtshoorn Municipality, ABRC Consultancy (Agri Business) and local farm owners. Traditionally rural residents have often been overlooked for municipal housing development as they are either not included in urban housing surveys, not residing in areas earmarked for development or because the municipality is unable to install services for development on private land.

The significance of the Spieskamp project is that the farm owner has offered the land to the municipality who in turn will take responsibility for the development of the houses and the transfer of ownership thereof to the intended beneficiaries upon completion of the houses. The Western Cape Department of Human Settlements’ approves the project and the housing subsidies for the beneficiaries. It is anticipated that the model will be used for other developments for rural residents in the future in the Western Cape subject to feasibility assessments.

Spieskamp is located in Schoemanshoek approximately 12km north of Oudtshoorn on the R328 in an area known for a mix of agricultural and tourist related activities. The proposed development of Spieskamp entails the expansion and upgrading of the existing settlement to include 87 residential opportunities at a cost of R14 million whilst retaining the local church and crèche. The beneficiaries will consist of the existing families that reside in Spieskamp as well as the farm workers of the neighbouring farms. The project will be delivered in 2 Phases. Phase 1 of this development, for which the launch is intended, will ensure the delivery of 12 new houses accommodating beneficiaries currently living on Spieskamp.

The identified beneficiaries are employed at facilities within 500 metres of the development such as the restaurant, nursery, farm and Bed and Breakfast owned by the farm owner providing the land. The remainder are employed on surrounding farms as well as the research unit.

In addition, the project will use Alternate Building Technologies (ABTs) in the form of the BrickFrame system. BrickFrame has SABS approval, meets the requirements for NHBRC registration and has superior waterproofing and thermal qualities than traditional concrete bricks thereby lessening the need for heating costs during winter.

All media are invited and a light lunch will be served.

Location: Spieskamp, Schoemanshoek approximately 12km north of Oudtshoorn

Date: 4 September
Time: 11:00