The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure, in partnership with the Bergrivier Municipality, proudly handed the first 45 newly-built houses over to beneficiaries of the Piketberg and Porterville housing projects on Friday 28 March.
This handover marks a significant milestone in the municipality’s commitment to providing quality housing and improving the lives of its residents.
At the handover ceremony Executive Mayor Alderman Ray van Rooy explained to the beneficiaries that the house is theirs and they should take ownership of it.
“It is your day, you can be proud. This is the beginning of a new chapter for you and your family. Enjoy the house.”
Tertius Simmers, Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, with Van Rooy, personally handed the keys to the new homeowners and cut the ribbon for some of the elderly beneficiaries, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter for them and their families.
He mentioned he was very proud to share this moment with all the beneficiaries who had waited so patiently for this moment.
“Thank you for being patient and for keeping the faith. This is your day, for you are now a new homeowner. Take responsibility for your house and look after it.”
Trytjie Sampson (89) is the oldest beneficiary in Piketberg to receive the keys to her new house. She said she was speechless and had no words to express how excited she was.
“I am very grateful and thank God for giving me this house. I am going to clean and work the whole day in my new house.”
More houses will be handed over to beneficiaries over the next few months in Porterville and Piketberg. The municipality was grateful to all stakeholders, especially the Department of Infrastructure, for making this project a reality.
