Informal settlement and backyard dwellers, many of whom are beneficiaries of the City of Cape Town’s mega-housing project in Macassar, have again expressed frustration at yet another delay of the first phase of construction.
The project to provide state-subsidised homes to about 2 469 beneficiaries has been marred by numerous delays since it started in 2019.
Construction was halted as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown and other factors since 2020.
In September last year, the City stated that construction of the houses for the first was expected to start in March this year. However, on enquiry this week Malusi Booi, Mayoral Committee member for Human Settlements, said the tender for the construction of top structures in Phase 1 was at the evaluation stage, and it was anticipated that work will only commence on 1 July 2023.
“This is as per the normal procurement rules and processes of the City,” he said.
“The City also has regular project engagement committee meetings (PEC) in the community, where the progress on the project is conveyed to the members, including community representatives.”
But some beneficiaries expressed surprise at the apparent new date, saying they were not informed of the change.
One such resident is Mbulelo Tofi, who has been waiting for progress and change on his living situation for more than 10 years.
“We feel as if the City is messing around,” he said. “Every few months we hear of another delay. I don’t think anything is going to happen soon, for there’s no movement on the site.”
Another beneficiary, Amanda Stevens, said it’s difficult to watch people from other communities being handed homes despite them applying long after she did.
“We just want to see progress, and we want to see the people of Macassar get first preference over other residents in this specific project. Currently I’m staying in a place without water and electricity.”
‘Contractor will start soon’
According to community activist Christiaan Stewart, some beneficiaries have been waiting over 40 years, while others have died without getting homes.
“We don’t want to see our people continuing to suffer,” he said. “The City needs to be more transparent and tell us what is really going on.”
According to Booi, the project’s planning, design approvals and preparation of tender documents have been ongoing.
“The tender for the construction of an electrical substation is also about to be advertised and is anticipated to be awarded by July, with work starting in September.”
Asked when contractors were expected on site following claims that there has been no activity since the beginning of the year, Booi replied that the civil and electrical contractor would commence with work within the coming weeks and the top structure building contractor will be on site in July.
“If all goes as planned, the first beneficiaries in Phase 1 will be given occupation by the end of this year,” he assured, adding that the total cost of the project is R500 million.
Asked to comment on the frustrations of the community, some whom have waited many years for such a project to be fast-tracked, Booi replied: “The City thanks residents for their patience and understanding while work is being completed. This R500 million mega-housing project is making good progress and will benefit 2 469 beneficiaries. “Work continues and we once again thank the community and beneficiaries for their support, as our projects can’t progress well without their cooperation.”
Ward 109 councillor Peter Helfrich confirmed some residents of the greater Macassar community have been waiting for decades to receive housing opportunities, and that the time had finally arrived.
“I want to thank the residents who have been so patient over the years,” he said.
