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Today, Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers, handed over 50 houses to beneficiaries, to residents from Wards 16, 17, 108 and 114, as part of the Forest Village Housing Development in Eersteriver. This is the first of the 267 beneficiaries that will be moving into the development within the next few weeks.  

Minister Simmers said: “It brought me great joy to see the happiness on the faces of the beneficiaries today. We regard all handovers as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our people and their families. Today and all future handovers is undoubtedly assisting in combatting COVID-19, as it ensures and strengthens social distancing, while also helping to improve hygiene practices. I’m also looking forward to handing over more houses in this community, as well as the rest of the province.

I commend my Department’s officials and our contractors who heeded our call to commence construction activity and are working at a rapid pace to ensure that houses are delivered to the most vulnerable in our communities, while still observing all the necessary Occupational Health and Safety protocols. As the Western Cape government, we continue to practically demonstrate our commitment to restoring the dignity and creating a better life for the people of this province.”

Forest Village is one of the Department’s Catalytic Projects, which commenced in January 2016 and has a budget allocation of R1,1 billion. This mixed-use development consists of various types of units to cater for beneficiaries of different income levels and specific needs such as Military Veterans, Breaking New Ground (BNG) and Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) units.

One beneficiary, 56-year old Sandra Noble, who’s been on the waiting list for 19 years could not contain her joy, and while becoming quite emotional, said: “I never thought this day would come, as I have been waiting for a very long time. I am truly grateful, particularly to the Minister, who made it all possible. I cannot wait to get settled.”  

Minister Simmers added: “I’d also like to remind our beneficiaries that they now have a responsibility to take care of their homes. It is important they value the asset they’ve received. We encourage them to draft a will and ensure they leave a legacy for their children.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.”

Issued by Western Cape Human Settlements