Today, alongside the Mayor of Stellenbosch Advocate Gesie van Deventer, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers handed over new houses to residents of Longlands community in Stellenbosch.
The community of Longlands were overwhelmed with emotions as elderly members moved into their brand-new homes. Construction of the Longlands Housing Project began in April 2020 and was earmarked to deliver 144 housing opportunities. During this period, several job opportunities were unlocked, for the local job market. At the ceremony certificates of appreciation were issued to the community members, involved in the construction process.
Executive Mayor Adv. Gesie van Deventer said: “residents are not just getting houses – today residents are becoming property owners – providing them with an important safety net and a passport to economic participation. Thank you to Minister Simmers and his Department as well as the Longlands Village Pty (Ltd) who worked with the municipality to ensure that this project is successfully completed.”
Katrina Antonie a 68-year-old beneficiary, said “as a first-time home-owner on behalf of my children and family I would like to thank all of you, for making this day possible. I am sure that my late husband who spent all his life with me in the informal settlements, is smiling down upon us as a family”.
A total of 98 top structures are set to be completed before the end of December 2022. The total budget set aside for the entire project is R30 million.
Sharing in the joy of the community Minister Simmers said: “we take delight in closing the chapter of living in under resourced conditions for these beneficiaries and improving the quality of their lives. This is essentially what the commemoration of World Habitat day should look like daily.”
Through innovative collaborative efforts the two spheres of government have ensured that the dignity and hope of the Longlands community is restored.
