Recently, Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers engaged the relevant Ward Councillors, Sub-Councils and Project Steering Committee (PSC) members of the Greater Kosovo and New Woodlands communities to update the stakeholders about the area’s Housing Project.
Accompanied by his Department’s senior executive officials, Minister Simmers made it crystal clear that despite the budget cuts the Department had to deal with, the project which will yield more than 9 500 housing opportunities across three identified sites, is set to continue.
Minister Simmers said: “I am grateful to the relevant structures for a robust and fruitful engagement and allowing us to present the progress that is being made with this project. It was particularly pleasing to reaffirm our continued commitment to this project, even though the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our timelines.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the structures for once again allowing us to clearly state what our housing allocation criteria is, and how we need to ensure that the elderly, people living with certified medical disabilities, those 15 years and longer on the housing demand database and backyard dwellers are afforded with a housing opportunity, as they are our priority. It is very important to us that their lives are drastically improved.”
This project seeks to de-densify large parts of the Kosovo informal settlement area, while provision will also be made for public open spaces, community facilities and market and play areas.
“I further thank those who followed proceedings live on Facebook, as this is another tool, we’re using to ensure full transparency and that no one is excluded from the process. Those who missed the live broadcast can return to https://www.facebook.com/HumanMinWC and view the presentations.
I want to make a continued call on residents to not allow themselves to be misled by those spreading false information about this project. Instead, potential beneficiaries should engage their PSC’s and Ward Councillors to acquire the correct information.
As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society,” added Simmers.
Media enquiries:
Marcellino Martin
Cell: 082 721 3362
Tel: 021 483 3397
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
Nathan Adriaanse
Tell: 021 483 2868
Cell: 083 2631720
E-mail: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za
