23 elderly beneficiaries began a new chapter in their lives on 2 April 2024 after receiving the keys to their new homes in the Stanford Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP) from the Provincial Minister for Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers.
Overstrand’s Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, Deputy Mayor Ald Lindile Ntsabo, Mayoral Committee Members for Community Services and Finance, Councillors Ronald Nutt and Stephen Williams as well as Ward 1 Councillor for Stanford and Thembelihle, Ald Dudley Coetzee, Ward 11 Councillor, Steven Fourie and Seon Swartz, the new Director of Community Services were there to hand over the houses and to congratulate the new first-time homeowners.
The rest of the first set of 100 Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses in Phase 1 will be handed over during April and the balance of 200 for end of August 2024. After completion of the first phase at the end of August 2024, construction of the remaining units will commence.
The project consists of 783 erven, of which 770 erven are zoned for single residential purposes, 6 for community facility purposes and 7 for business purposes. Funding for 621 houses has been approved and the balance of 149 are zoned as informal residential.
Minister Simmers, who gave the keynote address, said the development is earmarked to create 621 housing opportunities upon completion. “We are further encouraged by die job and economic opportunities that are created through this project.
Ground broke on this R150 million project at the end of August 2023. “The completion of the first 100 units in just 7 months shows not only the Western Cape Government’s unwavering commitment in providing dignified housing solutions to those in need, but also the commitment of the Mayor, the ward councillors and that of the entire Overstrand Municipality to improve the quality of life and to build hope,” he added.
The Minister mentioned that the FLISP market beneficiaries will also be given attention to by the Department and Municipality.
Those candidates earning over the threshold for BNG, should ensure that they are on the waiting list for FLISP opportunities.
Speaking to the beneficiaries, Overstrand Mayor Rabie encouraged them to become involved in their new community and to take pride in their homes and neighbourhood.
She issued a stern warning to the new homeowners to refrain from selling their properties within the first eight years or letting them out while they move back to become backyard dwellers again. They may also not use it as a spaza shop without the necessary approvals. “Be ethical. Be honest and look after what you have.”
Mayor Rabie also told residents that they now have a place that they can call their own and reminded them about the importance of having a will to ensure their home goes to the people they want them to, after their passing.
First to cut the ribbon at her new home’s front door was the eighty-four-year-old Jeanette Wyngaard. She was on the waiting list for 21 years. Jeanette said: “This is a day I will never forget. Thank you to all who made it possible, it really means the world to me.”
Ben Botha and wife Katriena grew up on a farm and have very few worldly possessions. They look forward to enjoy their first cup of tea in matching cups, a gift from their Pastor for their new home. He said that over time they will try and acquire some furniture to fill their two bedroomed house.
