Communities urged to be active citizens
Human Settlements Minister Connie September says communities should not be passive recipients of government services, but active participants in their own development.
Minister September was speaking at the launch and handover ceremony of 106 energy efficient low cost houses at Delft Symphony in Cape Town this morning. “Mistakes have been made and sometimes there is a lack of proper consultation with communities when making decisions that would affect them and their families,” said September.
Community consultation and engagement needed to be strengthened by all three spheres of government. One of the beneficiaries, Ms Nomisile Klaas (84) lived in the Thubelisha Temporary Relocation Area for years after she was moved from Tsunami Informal settlement in 2005. “I am very happy for this house that has started to bring relief for my pain. I waited for long and finally my patience has been rewarded,” said an emotional Ms Klaas.
A 64-year-old Ms Elizabeth Williams is a widow living with disability. Originally from Mitchell’s Plein, she has been living with her sister in Delft for the past 11 years. “Living in a shack is not human. I used to relief myself in the bush and I am very happy that I will regain my dignity and be able to share this lovely house with my daughter and my son,” said Ms Williams.
A total of R307million has been allocated for the Delft Symphony Precincts 3 & 5 project which will yield 1 911 units upon completion. One hundred and six of these units have been completed and ready for occupation.
This is the first project implemented in the Western Cape making use of Alternative Building Technologies (ABT) Methods.
The product consists of a steel framework with magnesium oxide walling panels filled with polyurethane and is known as the Vela System.
The primary advantage of the product is that it possesses superior energy efficient qualities. This means that the walling system ensures a stable and temperate climate inside and outside the unit. This result in less energy usage required to heat up or cool down a house.
The project is less than 10 kilometres away from Cape Town Central Business District (CDB) and is also surrounded by amenities like schools, a police station, work places and shopping centre.
For more enquiries:
Vusi Tshose
Cell: 083 581 5265
