PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS – A great milestone has been reached in relieving housing woes for Kurland residents. According to Bitou Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani, the Bitou Municipality will soon be able to set in motion plans to develop human settlement opportunities for the residents of Kurland.
"The National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, through its Western Cape Provincial Shared Service Centre, has confirmed that the transfer of Erf 940, which was formerly known as Erf 562 in Kurland, is now completed and finalised," Memani said.
He added the Deputy Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Mcebisi Skwatsha, had played a significant role in the finalisation of this process.
"He paid several visits to Kurland to inspire the residents not to lose hope while the administrative and planning processes to have the land transferred took place."
Memani said the title deed of the property would be handed over to the municipality in the near future and that this would result in new housing opportunities for the residents of Kurland.
"While waiting for the transfer of the land, the municipality developed a comprehensive development strategy and plans to ensure the maximum use of the land."
He said the land is expected to provide about 1 500 erven for the development of both low-cost and Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (Flisp) housing opportunities.
There will also be site and service opportunities, and provision will be made for amenities.
"The proposed development of the land will provide multiple housing opportunities for income earners earning below the R3 500 per month threshold set for state-subsidised housing opportunities, and for income earners with earnings above the threshold."
Memani added that portions of land would also be made available for small-scale farming. It is expected that all town planning processes will be concluded shortly.
"For many years the development of Kurland has been in the pipeline and eagerly awaited by its residents and therefore the Bitou Municipality welcomes the strides made in this regard," Memani said.
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