CoCT Subcouncil Updated 14 on Welmoed Housing Development

>During a productive meeting with the City of Cape Town’s (CoCT) Subcouncil 14, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, provided an update on progress at the Welmoed (Penhill) Housing Development, near Elsies River. The project will be implemented in phases.

Minister Simmers highlighted significant progress at the development, with bulk civil engineering infrastructure works already completed. Electrical engineering works are also well under way and are expected to be concluded by August 2026.

Civil and bulk earthworks commenced earlier this year, with internal engineering services scheduled to begin in May 2026, followed by the construction of housing units starting in October 2026.

The Welmoed project will also offer economic and up to 6000 job opportunities, since part of our development plan requires contractors to employ local labour and subcontractors within the sub-council area.

“We are pleased with the steady progress made at Welmoed, despite significant challenges posed by unlawful occupations. The Western Cape Government condemns and continues to fight the unlawful occupation of land and buildings earmarked for affordable housing delivery. We strongly urge communities, activist groups, and political parties in the Western Cape to support our efforts and refrain from encouraging unlawful activities,” Minister Simmers said.

The Welmoed development forms part of the Southern Corridor Integrated Human Settlements Programme, and will yield 3 296 housing opportunities, including mixed-use affordable housing and private development units. Beneficiaries will primarily be drawn from Subcouncil 14 and surrounding informal settlements, addressing a critical housing need in the area.

Minister Simmers and officials of the department will soon host public meetings in each ward within Subcouncil 14 to provide communities with a detailed progress update of the Welmoed housing project. A beneficiary verification process is also scheduled for September 2025 to determine final allocations, ensuring inclusivity and transparency throughout.

“Since the start of my current term in office, building partnerships has become paramount to ensure the successful delivery of vital infrastructure projects, including human settlements, and our communities are our most valued partner. I look forward to meeting with residents soon to discuss the progress of this much-needed housing development in the area. I also encourage all potential beneficiaries to participate actively in the verification drive to help us achieve a fair and inclusive outcome,” Minister Simmers concluded.