On Monday, 28 September 2020, 16 more beneficiaries received their new homes in the City of Cape Town’s R55 million Belhar Pentech housing project. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi, as well as other dignitaries, congratulated these first-time homeowners.
This project will provide 340 beneficiaries with homes and is expected to be completed soon, if all goes as planned. Ms. Trudy Horne (62), Ms. Barbara Sauls (70) and Ms. Myrtle Lockey (67) are among the new homeowners.
Councillors Phelisa Mzolisa, Xolani Joja, Rhoda Bazier and Bridgitte Truter joined in congratulating the beneficiaries.
‘We are so grateful to now have handed over 188 homes to beneficiaries despite the immense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown periods. Owning a home means much more to them than having a roof over their heads. It signifies the restoration of dignity to some of our most vulnerable residents.
‘Our beneficiaries are reminded that as property owners, they are now responsible for their homes, which have become their assets. As such, they are encouraged to maintain their homes and secure them for their loved ones in future by including it in their wills. As financial assets, these homes enable security, physically and financially, for the beneficiaries and their families. It is so important that we safeguard our projects against illegal occupation and that we ensure that the rightful beneficiaries are given a chance. To guarantee a fair and systematic approach, we allocate opportunities in accordance with the City’s Allocation Policy and source beneficiaries from qualifying and registered people on our highly controlled Housing Needs Register. We encourage our communities and beneficiaries to continue to work with us to make progress possible,’ said Councillor Booi.
The project, which is a Breaking New Ground one, includes the building of semi-detached and free-standing single-storey houses, as well as the installation of electrical infrastructure, street lighting, open spaces and sidewalks.
A number of other projects to provide housing opportunities to thousands of beneficiaries are also under way across the metro.
‘We are working hard across the metro and looking at all options to see how we can help to enable the delivery of housing opportunities on a greater scale. We need radical national housing reform, innovation and greater private sector partnerships if we are going to keep up with the enormous demand for housing opportunities for those earning less than R22 000 per month. Our draft Human Settlements Strategy proposes some interventions that are required. It is out for public participation and we encourage members of the public to have a look at it and to have their say,’ said Councillor Booi.