Construction of 8 000 housing opportunities at Welmoed Estate kicks off
Media Release by Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers
Construction of one of the Western Cape Government's largest affordable housing developments officially commenced today as Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers turned the first sod at the Welmoed Estate development in Eerste River.
The launch of the project follows a series of public meetings with residents of the host sub-council 14, starting in August last year, where Minister Simmers and officials from his department listened to residents’ concerns, responded to questions, and provided updates on the progress of this development.
Thereafter the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure hosted two Beneficiary Verification Drives, where thousands of beneficiaries on the housing demand database could update their details and ensure that all necessary information is up to date. A total of 6 253 beneficiaries visited the various verification centres across Mfuleni, Stratford, Blackheath, Kalkfontein and Hillcrest.
Minister Simmers said, “This exciting day is only possible because of the residents being willing to walk this journey with us. From the many public meetings we held, to verification drives, to the sod-turning today, the Western Cape Government and the people of this community walked the journey together to make this possible. This is what we can achieve when we work together.”
At a total estimated cost of R1.2 billion, the full Welmoed housing development is set to yield 8 000 housing opportunities by 2040. The development includes two large retail sites for a commercial node, four community sites that includes a clinic, a sport precinct, and five school sites.
Phase one, projected to conclude in 2030, will yield 3 296 housing opportunities, consisting of 2 961 opportunities for Affordable Housing, which includes First-Home-Finance, Rental, Breaking New Ground and Deferred Ownership opportunities, and 380 opportunities for micro and private developers. The first set of homes will be handed over to beneficiaries late next year.
Beyond providing housing opportunities, the development is expected to stimulate local economic activity and create employment throughout the construction period.
“It brings me so much joy to get to this point in our housing delivery process. To turn the sod of a project that will not only provide housing opportunities for our people, but also establish a new community filled with opportunity, is a great pleasure. I look forward to coming back to this site, to follow its progress, and eventually, to hand over the first set of keys to our beneficiaries,” Minister Simmers added.
The Welmoed housing development forms part of the Western Cape Government's broader strategy to accelerate affordable housing delivery through integrated, mixed-use developments located closer to economic opportunities.
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Media enquiries
Melt Botes
Spokesperson to Provincial Minister Tertuis Simmers
Email: Melchior.Botes@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 8067
Cell: 082 431 0068