Cape Town - 217 residents from the Kosovo Informal Settlement are expected to be moved to New Woodlands in Mitchells Plain by the end of the year to occupy half of the 434 units.
MEC for Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers revealed this when he visited the New Woodlands Farm 694 construction site yesterday in commemoration of Mandela Day.
During the visit, Simmers, along with other officials helped paint the houses. His visit came shortly after the Kosovo residents pleaded for relocation last week following heavy floods in the area. It was reported that due to blocked stormwater drains and inaccessibility, hundreds of shacks were swamped in filthy water.
"With this project we will see the unification of beneficiaries from two communities, with different backgrounds living together to create a rainbow nation in its truest form. Today I offer my contribution by painting and also join the construction team by lending an extra pair of hands towards providing much needed homes for our people," Simmers said.
His promise was welcomed by the Kosovo community. Cebisile Bathathu, the project's steering committee chairperson, said people from Section A, which is the most affected area, were prioritised for the relocations but "unfortunately not everyone“.
“We urge people to be patient as we continue to work in line with the authorities to address the housing need. At least there's is some hope, we are making progress."
Resident Khaya Ncaphayi said they were aware of the 50/50 share of the project and hope it would be completed in due time.
The construction of this R299 million Breaking New Ground started in September 2019 with an initial plan to complete it in May this but was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as the outbreak of Covid-19.