On Thursday, 29 January 2026, the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers officially launched the Railton CBD housing project and handed over homes to beneficiaries of the Railton 950 housing development in Swellendam.
At nearly R350 million these two housing projects are the largest investment in the Overberg district to date.
The Railton 950 project will yield 950 housing opportunities of which 743 units have already been delivered to beneficiaries correctly registered on the housing demand database. Further phases are also planned as part of the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure’s (DOI) ongoing housing pipeline in the area.
Receiving the keys to her brand-new home, Ms. Annelien Jacobs said, “It is a great privilege for me to have a home of my own today. I am also grateful that my children now have a safe place to grow up. This is my legacy to them. I wish to thank the Swellendam Municipality for keeping me informed of the process and for helping me every time I visited the office.”
Additionally, Minister Simmers launched the Railton CBD housing project, which will deliver 22 serviced sites in a well-located area within the Railton CBD. The project will be completed by March 2026. This development supports more integrated settlement planning by bringing housing opportunities closer to services, economic activity and public amenities.
Minister Simmers said, “Infrastructure must uplift communities by restoring dignity and providing opportunity. That is why we build homes that are closer to economic opportunities and ensure that the correct beneficiaries receive homes. My department will continue working with the Swellendam Municipality to advance further housing opportunities in the area, including the planned Railton UISP project.”
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