Qolweni housing project progressing steadily

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The once beleaguered Qolweni housing project has been making steady progress since it was handed over by the Bitou Municipality to the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements in June this year.

The R33,5-milion project has been a bone of contention for almost two years. On various occasions, unhappy residents resorted to violent riots that brought the town to a standstill.

While the project was initially funded by the provincial department, the completion was the responsibility of the Bitou Municipality. Not happy with the slow progress, residents demanded that the project be taken over by the department. This was officially done on 18 June.

The project, which has a budget allocation of R33,5-million excluding professional fees, was approved in October 2019. Construction of the 169 units had to commence in January 2021.

Due to various challenges faced by the Bitou Municipality, including the contractor they appointed and community dynamics, this did not occur, After numerous community demonstrations, the municipality handed the project over to the Department of Human Settlements.

Workers prepare the foundations for homes in the Qolweni housing project in Plett.

MEC Tertuis Simmers said since the handover a contractor had been appointed and a sod-turning ceremony occurred on 30 August. Since then, the foundation excavation for eight units have been completed and are ready for concrete. Over and above this, a project steering committee has been established with the assistance of the Bitou Municipality that includes representatives from provincial government, the municipality and concerned groups and beneficiaries of Qolweni.

"This project is an almost perfect yardstick to show what can be achieved when you have a government that is committed to working for and with its people," said Simmers.

"We made a commitment to this community and it is clear for all to see that we're adhering to it. I'd also like to thank the broader community for the manner in which they've supported us during this period. Our trust is that this excellent cooperation will continue, as we want to ensure that the lives of the most vulnerable in this community are improved. We also commit to remain transparent, as it has already proved to remove stumbling blocks and assist with resolving challenges."

Simmers said the Western Cape government remains 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.

Progress is being made with the Qolweni housing project in Plettenberg Bay.