A staggering R124 615 000 has been set aside for the development of the Covid informal settlement in Mfuleni.
According to the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, the project will be carried out in phases with the third and final phase in October next year.
The first phase is currently underway with the contractor laying concrete slabs.
At least 2 000 temporal structures are expected to be erected for beneficiaries on the wetlands within the area.
Melt Botes, spokesperson for Tertuis Simmers Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, said the project will be delivered in three phases.
“Phase one we are expecting to relocate 400 occupants. The contractor has commenced with the construction of concrete slabs. Thereafter we will commence with the provision of corrugated zinc structures (4×4) and the relocation of occupants.
In Phase two, we are expecting to relocate 600 occupants. And in Phase three the expected occupants relocation is 1 000,” said Botes.
He said the first phase is expected to be completed by October this year.
Phase two is expected to be completed by April next. And phase three by October next year.
Melt said the estimated project costs over three financial years is approximately R124 615 000.
Ward 114 councillor Ernest Madikane confirmed the project started late last year by removing the trees and levelling the ground. He said the project will be built into phases.
“We are on phase one. The structures will be erected as soon as we are done making slabs in the middle of the month. The first group of people is expected to move to the temporal structures early next month,” said Madikane, adding that they will first build at least 120 structures for the first group.
He stressed that the basic services, which include temporal toilets, communal taps and electricity, will be provided.
He stated that everything was going smoothly and urged the community to protect the projec, adding it has created job opportunities for locals.
“These small projects are the stepping stones for small businesspeople to build their profile. They also give a platform for them to showcase their skills,” said Madikane.
