Imizamo Yethu Meeting in response to the recent fire that occurred in the area
On Tuesday, 17 August 2021 the three spheres of Government along with relevant stakeholders, which included the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and community leaders met in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay in response to the recent fire that occurred in the area.
The fire which occurred on Sunday, 15 August affected 298 people after 84 structures were destroyed. SASSA with the assistance of Gift of the Givers assisted residents with mattresses, blankets, toiletries and food parcels. After a means test has been completed by SASSA, those who qualify will also receive a once-off payment of R 700 per household.
National Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Pam Tshwete, the Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, the City of Cape Town MMC for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi were representing the three spheres of Government.
The meeting resolved that:
- In two weeks’ time a stakeholder meeting will be held where a single Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be established. This PSC will consist of representatives from the three spheres of government, community leaders and relevant stakeholders.
- The National Deputy Minister will engage the National Minister of Human Settlements about the issuing of fire kits in cases where fires occurred.
National Deputy Minister, Pam Tshwete said: “from our side, this meeting was necessitated by the fact that, we wanted to take stock of the progress on previous commitments that were made to the community. Now, we have a clear development programme for Hout Bay Informal Settlements with clear timeframes”.
In 2018 the Western Cape Government (WCG) through the Western Cape Housing Development Agency (WCHDA) acquired four pieces of land, measuring just under 8 hectares. Of this it’s been established that 50% is developable, and this can deliver approximately 1400 housing opportunities in the multi-storey units that will be built. These opportunities will include households of various income brackets, earning up to R22 000.
Various assessments and statutory processes are currently underway and it is estimated that construction of the units on this site would commence in April 2023.
Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements said: “We remain committed to seeing this development through. We’re currently engaging our provincial sister department, environmental affairs, as well as the national department of water and sanitation so that the statutory processes can be fast tracked in order for construction to commence at an earlier date. It’s critical that there’s continued cooperation between the three spheres of government. I also appeal to the relevant stakeholders, particularly community members to work with government, so that the current developments are not delayed, but instead accelerated. This will ensure that deserving and qualifying residents can benefit from a housing opportunity, which they so desperately need.
City of Cape Town’s MMC for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi said: “We’re looking forward to further engaging the community as our aim is to ensure they’re swiftly assisted. As a caring City, we want to assure the residents that they remain our priority.”
For media enquiries contact:
Mandulo Maphumulo
082 099 7699 or
Marcellino Martin
082 721 2262
