WC Government Puts Residents First

Earlier this week, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, carried out a successful ministerial visit to the Garden Route.

As part of the Erf 325 housing development in Pacaltsdorp, George, which has already delivered 874 “Breaking New Ground” units and 147 First-Home-Finance units, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI), in partnership with the George Municipality, commenced with the development of 30 military veterans housing units.

At the sod-turning ceremony, Minster Simmers said, “I look forward to returning to this community to hand over these new homes.”

Minister Simmers also attended the sod-turning ceremony of Solar Energy Africa’s new 9MW solar wheeling plant in George. This plant will consist of over 13 000 solar panels and will not only create affordable and sustainable energy for the area, but it will also create many job opportunities.

“All spheres of government, together with the private sector, must work together to solve the energy crisis. Through public-private partnerships, we are moving closer towards building a future-proof province, with a resilient economy that creates jobs for all,” he remarked.

In Heiderand, Mossel Bay, Minister Simmers handed over 30 title deeds to elderly beneficiaries of the Mountain View housing development. At this development, over 500 title deeds are now available for collection.

“I am very proud of our successes in accelerating housing delivery in the Western Cape. A title deed symbolises hope and dignity, and marks the beginning of a brighter future for these deserving residents,” said the Minister.

The highlight of the ministerial visit was the launch of the new Rental Housing Information office in Heiderand. Its main function is to promote and protect the rights of both tenants and homeowners.

Minister Simmers said, “We are accelerating the delivery of housing opportunities across the Western Cape. It is critical that we bring the full set of housing services closer to the communities we serve. This Rental Housing Information office offers services free of charge, bringing government services closer to our residents. I believe that it will ensure that all relevant stakeholders are treated fairly and with dignity.”

Minister Simmers concluded, “We celebrated Human Rights Day only a few days ago, and these developments speak to the mission of the Western Cape Government to promote dignity and well-being by delivering homes and enabling an economy that creates job opportunities for all.”