It is estimated that in excess of 10 000 residents could be assisted in the Greater Kosovo and DuNoon informal settlements through the temporary de-densification process once it commences. Their safety, health and basic rights are our top priority.
My Department, working with the Housing Development Agency and City of Cape Town submitted a plan to the National department of Human Settlements, to procure Temporary Residential Units (TRU’s) for the Temporary Residential Areas (TRA’s), in order to de-densify these informal settlements.
We have to with urgency implement this process so that we can assist the elderly and disabled, as they are our priority and the most vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
I want to assure all affected citizens, we are working around the clock to find the most appropriate solution within the shortest possible timeframe.
Part of the plan is to erect 3-storey TRU’s to ensure that more people are able to temporarily benefit through this intervention. These units, which consists of Alternative Building Technology (ABT’s), are in line with the national emergency housing norms and standards.
Furthermore, 1 500 of these units will be erected in DuNoon and 2 000 in the Greater Kosovo area.
I thank the National Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, the Housing Development Agency and the City of Cape Town, for the fruitful engagements, which collectively places us in a stronger position to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Over the coming days, we will start engaging affected communities and explain how the process will unfold. We therefore call on residents to work with us, as this will undoubtedly assist in combatting the spread of COVID-19, particularly since it ensures social distancing, which is our collective challenge during this unprecedented period.
We have to #StopTheSpread
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.
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 3397
Mobile: 082 721 3362
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za