By Lungile Ntimba
Western Cape infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers has fast-tracked housing delivery in Eendekuil in the Bergrivier Municipality, handing over 45 Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes ahead of the projected deadline.
The R11 million project, originally scheduled to be completed by the end of September, is part of a broader housing development strategy in the region.
According to the MEC’s spokesperson Melt Botes, the early delivery was made possible by over R19 million in electrical bridge funding, allocated to accelerate housing projects in Eendekuil, Piketberg and Porterville.
“I began my second term as minister of infrastructure with five priorities, two of which are building and nurturing partnerships and acceleration. And Eendekuil is a fitting example of where these priorities were effectively implemented to deliver tangible results to the people of Eendekuil,” Simmers said in a statement on Thursday.
“I would like to thank all stakeholders involved, especially the municipality and our private sector partners, who worked with the Western Cape government to make the project such a great success.”
Botes said the Eendekuil development formed part of broader housing projects in Piketberg and Porterville, which were underway and expected to be completed ahead of schedule.
He added that the Velddrif housing project was currently in its planning phase.
“We are not done in Bergrivier. Housing projects in Piketberg and Velddrif are currently in their planning phases, and I look forward to returning to the Bergrivier municipality soon to hand over these homes to beneficiaries,” Botes said.
The BNG programme is a government initiative focused on providing affordable housing and upgrading informal settlements.
It aims to create sustainable human settlements by integrating various housing types, including subsidised, rental and bonded options, along with essential services and amenities.
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