By Levy Masiteng
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has launched a R576 million social housing development in Somerset West, Cape Town, aimed at expanding access to affordable rental housing.
The Somerlife Social Housing Project, launched on Tuesday as part of the Department of Human Settlements’ pre-budget vote activities, is expected to deliver 1,034 social housing units when fully completed by March 2027.
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A total of 208 units are already ready for occupation.
The greenfield development includes a mix of studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, designed to accommodate different household needs while promoting “integrated human settlements”.
According to the department, the development is located close to social amenities and economic opportunities, allowing beneficiaries easier access to transport, employment opportunities and essential services.
“While this development will deliver over a thousand housing units, applications received have exceeded 14 000. This clearly demonstrates the urgent need to accelerate the delivery of more social housing projects of this nature,” said Simelane.
“When portions of the sections that were completed became ready for tenants, 15 000 people applied and were processed, which shows the level of need we are facing,” she said.
Simelane reaffirmed government’s commitment to “increasing the supply of affordable, well-located housing as part of efforts to address South Africa’s housing backlog and create more inclusive communities”.
