Some residents started the festive season on a high note thanks to the handover of new homes in Lamberts Bay.
On Monday 13 December, 45 beneficiaries received the keys of their new homes from provincial Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers.
The handover forms part of phase 2 of the local Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP), after 184 houses were provided during phase 1. Phase 2 is set to deliver 84 housing opportunities. Although 100 units were planned for the 2021-’22 financial year, the Cederberg Municipality requested that this number be reduced, due to limited bulk capacity in the area.
This project caters for the elderly, people living with medically certified disabilities, those that’s been on the Housing Demand Database (HDD) for 15 years and longer, backyard dwellers and military veterans living in Lamberts Bay. The balance of 41 houses will be handed over before the end of the 2021-’22 financial year, by the end of March.
Minister Simmers said: “Sharing in the joy of our beneficiaries will always be priceless, as the change that is occurring cannot be measured. It is fitting that this handover occurs a few days before Reconciliation Day, as our goal is to reconcile our citizens with their dignity, with feeling safer, and ensuring they live in improved conditions.
“We’re delivering a tangible and lifelong change. In addition, these residents and their loved ones can now enjoy Christmas in a new home and like never before.”
Maria Magdelena Swartz (77), who has been on the waiting list for 19 years, could not hold back the tears of joy, stating, “I would like thank the Lord for having spared my life, so that I may see a lifelong dream come true. Further to this, I want to thank Minister Simmers as well as our local municipality for keeping their promise to deliver houses in Lamberts Bay.”
“As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlements delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society,” added Simmers.
