GEORGE NEWS - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and provincial Minister of Human Settlements Tertuis Simmers paid a visit to two Integrated Residential Development Programmes (IRDP) in the Garden Route yesterday, Thursday 29 April.
During their visits to the Mountain View project in Mossel Bay and the Syferfontein project (Erf 325) in Pacaltsdorp, in George, Winde and Simmers engaged with recipients of housing opportunities who have now become homeowners.
“By creating opportunities for ownership, we are enabling residents to accrue assets which not only give them security, but can also be leveraged,” said Winde.
“This ultimately ensures that vulnerable families can start to change the financial circumstances of generations to follow. Ownership must be our aim when creating sustainable human settlements, as it guarantees that we empower residents in the province into the future.”
The Mountain View IRDP which commenced in July 2019 with a budget of R 297 million is estimated to be completed by July 2022. Upon conclusion it is expected to create 1 006 housing opportunities, which consists of 725 BNG units, 278 FLISP units, 1 Commercial Sites and 2 public open spaces/Playground.
The Syferfontein IRDP in George which has a budget of R434-million commenced in August 2018 and is expected to be concluded later this year. It is set to deliver 2 113 housing opportunities.
This will consist of 1 668 Breaking New Ground (BNG)/free housing, 233 Flisp and various other commercial, faith and social entities. To date, 67 qualifying and deserving beneficiaries have already moved in.
Simmers said he was happy to witness how quickly the beneficiaries are settling in and how they’re taking ownership of their space. “The joy on their faces and general positive feedback serves as encouragement to continue serving our people in this manner.”
The Mountain View IRDP in Mossel Bay commenced in July 2019 with a budget of R297-million, and is estimated to be completed by July 2022.
He said it is pleasing to note how the Syferfontein development is playing its role in integrating the citizens, as people from various backgrounds, creeds, languages, cultures and sexual orientations are now living in one new community.
“I’d also like to thank all provincial and municipal officials for ensuring there’s been a swift response from the contractor to address some of the snags reported by beneficiaries,” said Simmers.
“We’re looking forward to the conclusion of both projects so that more people can take ownership of these new opportunities and participate in this lifechanging experience.”
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