“Secure tenure and access to opportunities.” That, said Executive Mayor of the Drakenstein Municipality Conrad Poole, was what their title deeds will mean to beneficiaries who received ownership of their homes in Gouda.
Joined by Western Cape Provincial Human Settlements Minister Tertius Simmers, Alderman Poole handed out 150 title deeds to jubilant residents. The handover was the highlight of the first phase of a project that will see the construction of 372 homes and provide the occupants with title deeds.
To date, all 150 homes have been constructed and all beneficiaries have taken occupancy.
The Executive Mayor advised beneficiaries not to sell their homes but to keep it as a legacy for their families or use it as collateral to raise loans to educate their children or grandchildren. A title deed, said the Mayor, could help secure the future of a family, a community and even a Municipality.
The project started in 2014 and created job opportunities and skills transfers during construction. The project also caters for people with disabilities and special needs.
It has brought about a definite improvement in the quality of the living environment of the beneficiaries, creating the necessary conditions to lead a dignified life, create a vibrant community and contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty.
It also provides people with secure tenure and access to opportunities which is in line with Drakenstein’s vision to be a “City of Excellence”.