Over 2900 units in Belhar social housing project on track

Maseko Matlhodi MPP, the DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Human Settlements said today:

Qualifying and identified residents for the Belhar social housing project can soon look forward to a safe and stable roof over their heads. This first phase of this innovative project, which commenced in 2015, comprises of 629 units built at a cost of R207 million.

Thus far, 336 units have already been handed over, with the remaining 293 to be handed over this month. A further 2300 units are planned for the current financial year.

I welcome the fact that the Provincial Department of Human Settlements is implementing the Better Living Model as part of this project, which aims to address the past spatial planning of certain citizens to the outskirts of the city who remain far removed from employment opportunities to this day.

This is yet another clear indication of the department’s commitment to ensuring that residents do not only have access to a housing opportunity, but a place where they can create a home that is close to their place of work. I have also called on Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela to ensure that there are no delays in the execution of the additional 2300 units planned for this financial year.

It also demonstrates how the Western Cape is not merely building houses, but communities, where it showcases diversity in the Western Cape Province. In this project, 69% of the residents are Coloured, 20% Black, 7% Indian and 4% White.

The units, which consist of bachelor, one and two-bedroomed flats include additional features such installations to improve the efficiency of energy and water consumption, infrastructure for people with disabilities, DSTV connections, and increased security installations.

As the DA in the Western Cape, we will continue to address apartheid style spatial planning, while ensuring that the lives of our residents are improved.