KNYSNA NEWS - Mayor Thando Matika welcomed George mayor Jackie von Brandis to the Knysna municipal offices last week for an engagement focused on human settlements and intergovernmental collaboration.
Von Brandis was accompanied by her mayoral committee member (MMC) for human settlements, councillor Jean Safers, and whip Theresa Jeyi.
The Knysna delegation included the MMC for human settlements, Neil Louw, speaker Mncedisi Skosana, and MMC for infrastructure services Beauty Charlie.
"George Municipality expressed a keen interest in conducting a site visit to the Bloemfontein Housing Project in Knysna. This forms part of their broader strategy to address the growing housing demand in their region," Knysna Municipality said in a press release.
"George Municipality is exploring successful housing models and best practices from neighbouring municipalities."
The visit, proposed during engagements with Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers, was aimed at boosting knowledge-sharing and strengthening co-operative governance in line with intergovernmental frameworks.
"This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment by both municipalities to work collaboratively in tackling housing challenges and improving the lives of residents across the Garden Route District," Knysna Municipality said.
Houses handed over
In the preceding week, houses built as part of Phase 2 of the Khayalethu Housing Project, were officially handed over to Khayalethu residents.
The project is the result of collaboration between the national Department of Human Settlements, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, and Knysna Municipality, with support from the Housing Development Agency.
"The project is aimed at improving the living conditions of community members who, for decades, resided in wooden structures built prior to the dawn of democracy," Knysna Municipality said.
"Many of these structures were in a state of disrepair and posed significant risk to the safety of those who lived in them, and undermined their dignity. In recognition of this, the three spheres of government joined forces to provide quality housing to the affected residents, and restore their dignity."
A total of 124 beneficiaries had been identified for the project, of whom 75 had received full approval. To date, 28 housing units have been completed and handed over, with the remaining units in various stages of construction.
During proceedings, Simmers officially handed over the keys of homes to the approved beneficiaries of Phase 1B.
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