On Wednesday, 28 September, the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers, handed over houses to 12 elderly beneficiaries of Dysselsdorp, in Oudtshoorn.
It has been less than a year since the Minister’s department appointed a contractor for construction of top structures at the Dysselsdorp Housing project. Over 130 beneficiaries have since received keys to their new homes. Off-set against a R130 million budget, the project is expected to yield over 520 housing opportunities for this local community. Through the project a multitude of jobs and economic opportunities were created for jobseekers and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME’s).
Minister Simmers said: “today is a truly wonderful day for this community and especially the beneficiaries. I am honored to be the one designated with providing them the keys to their first homes, on behalf of the Western Cape Government delivery team. The delivery on this project has been exceptional by all involved, as we have ensured it is completed within budget and timeously”.
Mr Afrika Geswindt, a beneficiary, said: “after waiting for such a long time, I am sincerely honored and grateful to the Western Cape Government and Oudtshoorn Municipality. I am finally a homeowner”.
“It is truly great to witness the hope and dignity of the Dysselsdorp community being restored through this project. Not only through the delivery of houses, but also through the economic opportunities that the project has created,” concluded Simmers.