An early Christmas gift for the residents of Lamberts Bay

On Monday 13, December, 45 deserving and qualifying beneficiaries in Lamberts Bay received early Christmas gifts, when the Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers handed over the keys to their brand-new homes.

This handover forms part of phase 2 of this Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP), after 184 houses were provided during phase 1. Phase 2 is set to deliver 84 housing opportunities, although 100 units were planned for the 2021/2022 financial year, the Cederberg Municipality requested that this number be reduced, due to limited bulk capacity in the area. This project caters for the elderly, people living with medically certified disabilities, those that’s been on the Housing Demand Database (HDD) for 15 years and longer, backyard dwellers and military veterans, that reside in Lamberts Bay.

The balance of 41 houses will be handed over before the end of the 2021/22 financial year (end of March 2022).

Minister Simmers said: “Sharing in the joy of our beneficiaries will always be priceless, as the change that is occurring cannot be measured. It is fitting that this handover occurs a few days before Reconciliation Day, as our goal is to reconcile our citizens with their dignity, with feeling safer, and ensuring they live in improved conditions. We’re delivering a tangible and lifelong change. In addition, these residents and their loved ones can now enjoy Christmas in a new home and like never before.”

Local resident, 77 year old Maria Magdelena Swartz who’s been on the waiting on list for 19 years could not hold back the tears of joy, stating: “I would like thank the Lord for having spared my life, so that I may see a lifelong dream come true. Further to this, I want to thank Minister Simmers as well as our local municipality for keeping their promise to deliver houses in Lamberts Bay”.

“As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlements delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society, “added Simmers.