Today, the Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers conducted a site visit at the Farm 694 Housing Development in Mitchells Plain to ascertain the progress of the development.
Minister Simmers said: “I’m pleased to note that the first phase of the project is making significant progress. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity we have to bring two areas together, who will now form an integrated community once the qualifying and deserving beneficiaries starts moving in. Seeing that people from different backgrounds, cultures, languages, creeds and sexual orientation comes together is a focal point in addressing the Apartheid spatial legacy. I’m looking forward to returning to the development towards the end of the year, when the first group of beneficiaries will be moving in.”
The entire development, which consists of various phases has a combined Human Settlement Development Grant (HSDG) and Urban Settlement Development Grant (USDG) funding of R 293, 7 million. Phase 1 of the development will see 434 Breaking New Ground (BNG)/ fully subsidised housing opportunities being created for beneficiaries. 50 % of the beneficiaries will come from the New Woodlands area, while 50% will come from the Greater Kosovo Informal Settlement.
The project is expected to be completed by March 2022.
Minister Simmers added: “Not only are we creating housing opportunities, but with a 50/50 split around sourcing local labour and 4 Small, Medium and Micro and Enterprises per area, which amounts to 8 in total, we’re also ensuring that empowerment and job opportunities are created on a fair basis. This demonstrates the Western Cape Government’s commitment to upskilling locals with the relevant and necessary skills so that when further and other opportunities within the construction sector arise, they are more employable.
I’d like to thank both the New Woodlands and the Greater Kosovo Project Steering Committees (PSC’s) for their continued effort and work to ensure that this project is a success. I’d also like to appeal to members of the Greater Kosovo PSC to resolve their current challenges and disputes so that it does not affect any part of this project.
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.”
