The project, which has a budget allocation of R33,5-million excluding professional fees, was approved in October 2019. Construction of the 169 units had to commence in January 2021.
Progress is being made with the Qolweni housing project in Plettenberg Bay.
Since August this year, close to 60 local jobs have been created as a result of the Qolweni housing project. This is according to Western Cape housing MEC Tertuis Simmers, who conducted a site visit of the controversial project last week.
The R33,5-milion project has been a bone of contention for almost two years. On various occasions, unhappy residents resorted to violent riots that brought the town to a standstill.
While the project was initially funded by the provincial department, the completion was the responsibility of the Bitou Municipality. Not satisfied with the slow progress, residents demanded that the project be taken over by the department. This was officially done on 18 June.
The project, which has a budget allocation of R33,5-million excluding professional fees, was approved in October 2019. Construction of the 169 units had to commence in January 2021.
Due to various challenges faced by the Bitou Municipality, including the contractor they appointed and community dynamics, this did not occur. After numerous community demonstrations, the municipality handed the project over to the Department of Human Settlements.
Simmers said during his visit that not only had 56 local jobs been created as a result of the project, the contractor, Ruwacon, had also identified 12 local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), of which six are currently involved in the project and two are owned by women. “Job opportunities are expected to increase threefold as the development progresses,” Simmers said.
It is envisaged that the project will be finished during the 2022/23 financial year.
“I am pleased that local workers and SMMEs are being afforded the opportunity to be part of this project. This clearly demonstrates the Western Cape government’s commitment to ensuring that jobs and empowerment for those in the area are occurring. In addition, it also shows how we’ve met the various challenges and disputes head-on, so that the significant progress that is being made can continue,” Simmers said.
Progress is being made with the Qolweni housing project in Plettenberg Bay.
“I’d like to thank all partners, which includes the Bitou Municipality, along with the Project Steering Committee and broader community for their continued cooperation. I call on all partners and particularly the community to ensure that no elements are allowed to derail the process, as this will only set the project back, which will mean that those who are patiently waiting to live in an improved, safer and dignified manner, are further delayed.”
Simmers is optimistic that, as residents are witnessing how the Western Cape government is fulfilling its commitment, they will ensure that the trust and excellent working relationship continues. “As we’re already doing, we commit to remain transparent throughout this process.”
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