In response to my written parliamentary questions, the Provincial Minister for Human Settlements, Tertius Simmers, reveals that no government-led housing projects have been impacted due to land invasions in the 2020/2021 financial year. This is despite the 748 land invasions that took place within the Cape Metro area. The planning and proactive measures of the department and their partners have meant that the more than 2,000 housing opportunities that are currently in various constructions stages in the Metro have not been brought to a standstill.
MPP Matlhodi Maseko says: “The provincial department has informed all Municipal Managers in the Western Cape of the department’s willingness to assist local governments in their work to protect their housing assets, including in-progress housing developments as well as vacant government-owned land which has been earmarked for housing development. Importantly, the department is also in the development of a reporting mechanism for Non-Metro Areas to allow for a swift response by the provincial government to support local municipalities in guarding their valuable assets.
The provincial department and local municipalities have been successful in protecting much needed housing developments, with only one incident in Saldana Bay being reported . The Saldana Bay Municipality has since been able to evict 18 of the 20 people involved and currently are in the process of evicting the last 2 illegal occupiers. Land invasion continues to be one of the greatest challenges that local governments face in delivering housing opportunities to beneficiaries. The work by the provincial department capacitates local municipalities, boosting them in their work to realise dignified and affordable housing opportunities.
The development of housing opportunities is a complex and time consuming project as government is not simply looking to build structures but communities that includes recreational areas, commercial spaces and government services. While necessary and important work in laying the foundation for their sites is finalised, these land parcels and housing developments must be protected.
The provincial government’s support to local municipalities is proof of the continued importance of intergovernmental cooperation and the department’s commitment to delivering homes to residents of the Western Cape.”
