KNYSNA NEWS - At long last! The 61 Erf 3339 plot-to-plan housing beneficiaries may finally draw up their building plans and lay the foundations of their anticipated homes.
These long-awaited site allocations were formally handed over during a ceremony at the Knysna Municipal Council Chambers on Saturday 12 September. The allocated plots are located in Fisherhaven, Rykmanshoogte, and Hornlee. The area is known to many as the Dam.
Knysna Mayor Thando Matika, a mayoral committee member for integrated human settlements, Neil Louw, and several officials of the Integrated Human Settlements Department handed over the allocations to the 61 beneficiaries.
Matika described the handover as an important milestone in helping qualifying residents realise their aspirations to homeownership. "The allocation of these sites is about creating opportunities, building futures and giving families a place to call home," he said.
The Council reduced the sales price of the stands to create greater homeownership opportunities for lower- and middle-income households, depending on their income bracket. Applicants earning more than R22 001 per month will pay R52 352 per stand, while those earning between R3 501 and R22 001 will pay between R30 000 and R40 000.
Payment arrangements
A payment allocation letter sets out the purchase price, payment requirements and sale and transfer process. The beneficiaries have 15 months to settle the purchase price. A 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid between 1 October and 31 December, followed by a further 12 months to settle the outstanding balance.
Failure to pay the deposit by the deadline may result in the withdrawal of the allocation letter and allocated site. Payments must be made directly into the official Knysna Municipality account through its finance department. Beneficiaries are warned not to pay the Erf 3339 steering committee, any councillors, municipal officials, community representatives or third party.
26-year housing battle
For Renaldo and Denay Hunter, the handover was an emotional milestone after years of waiting. An elated Hunter said the allocation had finally given the couple a sense of belonging and hope for the future.
"Should everything go according to God's plan and our building plans, we hope to start shaping and constructing our forever home later this year," he said. He thanked the Hornlee Inclusive Housing Solutions' (HIHS) steering committee for its dedication and perseverance throughout the prolonged housing battle.
Deswin Talmaggies of the HIHS congra-tulated all 61 beneficiaries, describing the allocation as the culmination of a 26-year fight to ensure those left out of subsidy housing also received a housing opportunity. "This process is the very first for Knysna, and we stood our ground against all odds," said Talmaggies.
He acknowledged the HIHS, the Department of Human Settlements, the steering committee and Knysna Municipality's Housing Department for their role in completing the first phase.
Phase 2 to benefit 150 families
Talmaggies said beneficiaries from Ketanga, Donkerhoek, Die Paaie, Moordkuil, Fraaisig, Rykmanshoogte and Hornlee West were among those who received allocations. Phase 2 of the Erf 3339 Project is expected to commence within the next few months and will benefit a further 150 families across the greater Knysna. The developer-led phase will follow a competitive procurement process.
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