Greater Retreat human settlements project to deliver 5000 housing opportunities

25 Nov 2019 in Where We Govern

Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers says the Greater Retreat Housing Project will deliver approximately 5 000 housing opportunities for those in the Southern Suburbs.

Over the last two weeks, Minister Simmers had various public engagements with residents from the Greater Retreat area. These areas consist of Wards 62, 63, 65, 66, 67, 68, 71 and 110. These wards are inclusive of areas such as Plumstead, Ottery and Ottery East, Ferness, Parkwood, Vrygrond, Seawinds, Grassy Park, Lavender Hill, Steenberg, Retreat, Southfield and Cafda.

Minister Simmers said: “I commend the communities, their Project Steering Committees (PSC’s), Ward Councillors, Civic Organisations and all other stakeholders for their robust and frank engagements. I also thank them for giving me the opportunity to clearly state what our housing allocation criteria is, and how we need to ensure that those longest on the housing demand database, along with the most vulnerable having to benefit first.

It was pleasing to note how eager these communities are for the development to commence and their willingness to be fully involved in the entire process. These communities are already demonstrating how government and citizenry can and should work together, as this will allow us to change the lives of many people, particularly in the Greater Retreat area.

This mixed-development project, which includes Breaking New Ground (BNG) or free houses, Community Residential Units (CRU), Rental- and Social Housing, Open Market and Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP), has a budget of over R1,5 billion. The project is currently in its planning phase, which includes various investigations and assessments. It is estimated to commence in middle 2021 with the last key to be handed over in 2024. Various amenities such as schools and recreational facilities will also form part of this development.

I call on residents to not allow themselves to be duped by unscrupulous characters 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.”