Members of the City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Portfolio Committee recently conducted oversight visits to several housing projects across the metro to monitor progress and service delivery.
Led by Chairperson Albert Ntsodo, the committee visited three key developments like the Gugulethu Infill Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing project, Mfuleni Extension 1 Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) project, and Enkanini South UISP project. The Mfuleni and Enkanini South projects form part of the innovative Managed Settlements Program (MSP), which tackles unlawful land occupation through gradual settlement development.
Basic services
The program starts by providing secure land tenure and basic services, allowing residents to move into their homes faster than traditional housing projects. “The MSP works alongside existing government programs like the UISP, providing serviced plots to residents on undeveloped land,” explained Ntsodo. “We are grateful for the opportunity to see this type of service delivery in action and thank all stakeholders for a fruitful oversight visit.”
The City emphasizes that housing project beneficiaries are selected according to strict criteria. The Housing Allocation Policy and Housing Needs Register ensure opportunities are allocated fairly and transparently, preventing queue-jumping while ensuring only qualifying applicants receive assistance in line with South African legislation.Importantly, political office bearers have no access to or influence over the register and cannot interfere with beneficiary selection.
