This is part of the province’s R1-billion housing initiative. 

The MEC for CoGHSTA, Bentley Vass, is leading a series of housing handovers across the province, including Calvinia, De Aar, and Colesberg. On Wednesday (9/7), the MEC will hand over 10 houses to beneficiaries in De Aar and later seven more in Colesberg. 

This follows the handover of 10 completed units from the Calvinia 200 Housing Project on Tuesday (8/7). The houses in De Aar are from the De Aar 2386 Housing Project, while those in Colesberg are from the Ouboks 50 Housing Project.

“The issue of housing is a very critical part of governance, and we have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that we provide proper housing to our community members,” Vass said.

“For us, it is important to ensure that people have proper housing. We are working around the clock as the provincial government to address their needs,” he added.

Once contractors complete the houses, they are handed over to beneficiaries immediately. Photo: Northern Cape CoGHSTA

Housing delivery often faces delays, which is why the department holds bi-weekly meetings with contractors and has already terminated 23 contracts due to non-performance, he said. 

Other challenges include contractors struggling to source materials, as some have to procure supplies from Cape Town, Gauteng, or other parts of the country.

Once contractors complete the houses, they are handed over to beneficiaries immediately to prevent vandalism.

Northern Cape government hands over homes in towns. Photo: Northern Cape CoGHSTA

Regarding job creation, nearly 60 women, youth, and persons with disabilities have been employed in Calvinia alone. “We encourage residents to take responsibility for their houses, as we cannot afford to appoint security guards,” said Vass. 

“We urge communities to help protect these homes from vandalism and take pride in their new homes, which are provided free of charge and include essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation, and roads.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh