Pouring rain couldn’t dampen the spirits when the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, officiated the sod-turn ceremony of the Stanford housing project last week.
The event signalled the commencement of construction work at the site.
The minister was joined by the Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie and local councillors.
The Stanford housing project is earmarked to create 621 housing opportunities.
It is expected that Phase 1 of the project will realise 100 houses and will be completed before April 2024. This project forms part of the department and Overstrand municipality’s plans to accelerate the delivery of dignified human-settlement projects in the region.
Other projects currently underway in Overstrand are the Blompark and Masakhane developments in Gansbaai.
Despite the weather conditions, a jovial Minister Simmers remarked on the significance of the sod turning. He stated: “This is a landmark moment for the community of Stanford, and I think the rainfall signifies showers of blessings.
“A total of 621 housing opportunities are set to be created. We are further encouraged by the job and economic opportunities that will be created through this project.”
Simmers added that this project forms part of the greater infrastructure projects in Overstrand. The projects in Blompark and Masakhane delivered more than 300 homes within 18 months, with an expected overall yield of more than 820 houses.
Simmers and Rabie proceeded to commemorate National Wills Week with a title-deed handover ceremony in Mount Pleasant, Hermanus. The beneficiaries were from neighbouring areas such as Zwelihle, Hawston, and Mount Pleasant.
Sophia Williams (83), one of the recipients, said: “I’m grateful to our government and officials who made this day possible, and it is indeed one of the best days in my life. I will take advantage of the services made available to us and have a will drafted and stored in a secure place.
“This title deed handover closes a chapter of uncertainty in the lives of the beneficiaries,” said Simmers.
“Security of tenure is a key priority of the Western Cape Government as it provides citizens with the dignity they deserve.”
