GEORGE NEWS - The R30,8-million Metro Ground Housing Project, which is expected to be finished by June 2020 and will have over 600 beneficiaries, is underway. The construction of this project is currently taking place along the PW Botha Boulevard near George Industria.
The first houses will be allocated to beneficiaries from Lawaaikamp (20), Parkdene (70), Protea Park (30), Rosemoor (60), Borcherds (80) and Conville (7).
The remainder of beneficiaries will be allocated from the housing waiting list, in accordance with the George Municipality criteria. Preference will be given to single-headed households, people with disability, elderly persons and those whose names have been on the housing waiting list for years.
Free-standing, 40m² Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses will be built, and 45m² houses will be built for people with disabilities.
The project is headed by a locally based contractor, ACV Civils. Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, said he will make an announcement next week about the full scope of the project.
Fake housing letter
Meanwhile, Simmers has warned beneficiaries and citizens against criminals who take advantage of the people and tell them they must pay certain amounts of money in order for them to receive government houses. He issued this warning following the circulation of a letter requesting money from supposed beneficiaries in Cape Town. The letter uses the City of Cape Town's EPWP help desk landline number and is dated 1 July 2019.
It also has the Western Cape Government's letterhead and is signed by a so-called project manager, Melananie Koen. It states, "Please be advised that you have been allocated a house by the Department of Housing for our project for the lower income scale…. an amount of R5 250 is payable ASAP..., "
Simmers said he has instructed his department to launch a full investigation.
Residents who suspect fraudulent activities are encouraged to contact the department's help desk on 021 483 6488/0611, as well as their local police office, to report fraudulent activities.
Simmers urged all citizens who need housing assistance from government, to register at their local housing office. Residents that are already registered should ensure that their details are up to date, particularly if contact information has changed since registration.
Simmers (centre) during his visit to George last month to inspect the Metro Ground Housing Project. To the left are George Mayor Melvin Naik and Speaker Gerrit Pretorius.
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