Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS – On the eve of the one-year anniversary since the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, conducted a sod turning in Qolweni, 36 qualifying beneficiaries received the keys to their new homes. 

Simmers began his pre-cabinet outreach programme in Plettenberg Bay on Monday 29 August, where he was joined by the Bitou Municipality to hand over keys to these 36 houses in the Qolweni Phase 3A (169) project, after 30 houses were delivered in June.

The project is envisaged to create 169 housing opportunities during Phase 1 of construction against a budget of R33,5m. During this phase, 12 small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) were appointed and 248 job opportunities created.

"Tuesday 30 August will mark a year since we conducted a sod-turning and promised the community of Qolweni to deliver actual houses and end their wait for an opportunity," said Simmers. 

"I am delighted that we have achieved this and turned what was once hope into joy and reality for these community members."

Simmers later proceeded to George where, together with the Garden Route District Municipality (GDRM), the new Social Housing partnership with Own Haven Housing Association was launched. 

Own Haven Housing Association is a leader in providing social housing products in viable locations across the country. The delegation was taken on a visit of sites earmarked for social housing projects.

Simmers said an announcement will follow soon to indicate where in the district their first project will be.

The day's programme was concluded with a meeting at the Mossel Bay Municipality to engage on matters pertaining to infrastructure, including roads and human settlements projects currently underway in the municipality.

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