beneficiaries
13 June 2007
"As government we will have zero tolerance to those beneficiaries who sell
their houses and relocate back to the shacks," said Dyantyi at the handover of
Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses to beneficiaries.
History was made when the national Department of Housing and provincial
Department of Local Government and Housing handed over the BNG houses to
beneficiaries. Addressing the crowds of people during handover in New Rust
Township at Gugulethu, the MEC for Local Government and Housing Qubudile
Richard Dyantyi said their job is not only to increase the number of houses
being built but to build houses that will bring dignity to the
beneficiaries.
In September 2004, the National Department of Housing launched its BNG
Strategy. The new strategy re-evaluated and made recommendations on changing
the traditional ways of delivering houses in South Africa. The strategy puts
emphasis on the need to achieve a "non-racial integrated society through the
development of sustainable settlements and quality housing". BNG houses are
part of this strategy.
Mr Prince Xhanti Sigcawu, General Manager, Thubelisha N2 Gateway Project,
said they want to turn New Rust Township to a suburban area. "Those who have
lived longer in this area will be the first to be accommodated," said Mr
Sigcawu. He said one of the challenges faced was the relocation process as many
tenants were not keen to relocate during the development process. Sigcawu also
appealed to the communities to be helpful to contractors. Amongst the first
beneficiaries was Mrs Nodoli Evelyn Mali. Tears of joy flowed from her eyes as
she stood on the podium to address crowds. "To me this is like a miracle to be
given such a gift," said Nodoli.
The MEC for Local Government and Housing Qubudile Richard Dyantyi called on
people to stop selling their houses to friends and relatives. According to him
this undermines the service delivery. "As government we will have zero
tolerance to those beneficiaries who sell their houses and relocate back to the
shacks," said Dyantyi.
The BNG house is a state give-away subsidy house given to qualifying
beneficiaries. The first of its kind in South Africa will be built in the
Western Cape as part of N2 Gateway Project. There are already BNG houses in
areas such as Delft and New Rust and more houses are to be built in District
Six, Joe Slovo and Boys Town. Unlike the previous 20 to 34 square metre subsidy
houses, the BNG house is a 40 square metres in size and it boasts two bedrooms,
a lounge, open plan kitchen and fitted bathroom. This house is also equipped
with electricity. The N2 Gateway is a collaborative effort of the national
Department of Housing, Western Cape provincial Department of Local Government
and Housing and the City of Cape Town.
Issued by: Department of Local Government and Housing, Western Cape
Provincial Government
13 June 2007
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)
