Joyful scenes as MEC hands over new homes in Namakwa and Pixley ka Seme

IN A WELCOME move to address the housing backlog in the Northern Cape, MEC Bentley Vass has wrapped up a two-day visit to the Namakwa and Pixley ka Seme districts, handing over a total of 27 brand-new homes to jubilant beneficiaries.

The visits, which took place from July 8 to 9, formed part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to ensure shelter and dignity for all, with the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) at the helm.

On Tuesday, July 8, Vass kicked off the housing handovers in Calvinia, located in the Hantam Local Municipality under the Namakwa District. He was joined by the district executive mayor, Mervin Cloete, local mayor Koos Alexander, and other local leaders who celebrated the milestone with the community.

The momentum continued on Wednesday, July 9, as homes were delivered in De Aar (Emthanjeni Local Municipality) and Colesberg (Umsobomvu Local Municipality), both in the Pixley ka Seme District. Vass was accompanied by municipal leaders, including Emthanjeni mayor Lulamile Nkumbi, Umsobomvu mayor Mzwandile Toto, and Speaker Nandipha Stafa.

Vass, in his address, emphasised the importance of swift and high-quality construction, encouraging contractors to complete projects efficiently to avoid vandalism and ensure that beneficiaries can move in as soon as possible.

“We continue to work with speed to address housing challenges in the province. We have delivered houses to happy beneficiaries in three local municipalities in these two districts. We continue to urge all contractors across the province to deliver quality housing at a rapid pace so as to allow beneficiaries to receive their houses as per completion. This is also part of our strategy to curb vandalism and to ensure that beneficiaries take ownership of these beautiful houses immediately,” the MEC said.

“As enjoined by Section 26 of the Constitution, we want to ensure that everyone has access to adequate housing, within our available resources, and we will be delivering more houses in other districts this month and beyond,” he added.