Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says the swift appointment of a contractor to commence with the Qolweni Phase 3A 169 Housing project in the Bitou municipal area is a clear demonstration of how the Western Cape Government (WCG) is working at an accelerated pace, so that the lives of people are improved.
Minister Simmers said: “When I visited the area, on the 18th of June, I committed to return on 29 June 2021 to provide an update. Following the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 27 June 2021 that South Africa’s been placed on adjusted alert level 4, due to the current third-wave of covid infections across the country, we determined that it would be best to keep face-to-face interaction to a bare minimum. This decision was taken to protect residents as the virus is spreading quite rapidly.
We therefore agreed with the Qolweni stakeholders, including the community leaders to have a virtual meeting, where this update would be provided. The leaders were pleased to learn that an accelerated departmental procurement process was used in this appointment. The contractor who will be meeting the community representatives today, will be establishing site within the next week.
In due course, a programme which will detail project commencement and end date will also be provided. My department will also now vigorously engage the stakeholders to finalise social compact. Our aim is to avoid further delays.”
The budget allocation of R 33, 5 million for construction and professional fees, which was approved in October 2019 is still applicable.
Simmers added: “As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to the Qolweni project and ensuring that it is successfully delivered, as we want our residents to live in improved conditions.”
