Today, 17 October 2019, a number of beneficiaries, including elderly residents, received the keys and moved into their new homes in the City of Cape Town’s Masiphumelele Phase 4 housing project.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi, and the Ward Councillor and Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase, handed over the keys to the beneficiaries.

Two of the beneficiaries who received keys included Ms Nontshizane Vena (74) and Ms Nomayalo Ntsinga (73). They were both thrilled to move into their new homes which are situated on the same street.

The handover was a first for the Masiphumelele Phase 4 housing project, which will be home to 227 qualifying beneficiaries from the area, including the wetland informal settlement, when completed. A total of 85 beneficiaries have moved in during the course of this week.

The City is very proud of the milestone that has been achieved.

‘It was pleasing to see these first-time homeowners receive their keys and move into their new homes so successfully today. It’s especially meaningful as the word Masiphumelele means let us succeed in isiXhosa. Today, we have seen that when we all work together, we can succeed. It has been about more than the handing over of keys. These homes will improve the living conditions of these beneficiaries and make a difference to the lives of our most vulnerable residents by empowering them as property owners. As financial assets, these homes will provide the beneficiaries and their families with security,’ said Councillor Booi.

The expenditure on this project amounts to R85 million and includes money allocated for the bulk earthworks; internal civil engineering services for the provision of water, sanitation and roads; electricity reticulation; and street lighting.

‘As with all housing projects, various inspections were completed to ensure the quality of the homes met the required building regulation standards. Beneficiaries also attended homeowners consumer education workshops where they were informed of the roles and responsibilities of being a property owner,’ said Councillor Booi.

Construction work on site is being carried out by the City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate, in conjunction with the elected People’s Housing Process (PHP) Support Organisation and their appointed contractor.

‘There are many challenges in Masiphumelele but only with the support of the community are we able to improve the living conditions of our residents. This housing project, as with all City projects, is absolutely dependent on community support and cooperation. We want to thank the community for working with the City over the years to ensure that this project has become a reality. The City will continue to make every effort to continue to enhance basic service delivery, where possible, to the community of Masiphumelele,’ said Alderman Purchase.

Source: City Of Cape Town