Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, has announced significant progress on the Welmoed housing development in Cape Town, where bulk civil engineering infrastructure works have already been completed.
The Welmoed development is part of the Southern Corridor Integrated Human Settlements Programme and will provide a total of 3 296 housing opportunities.
This includes a mix of affordable housing and private development units.
Beneficiaries of the housing project will mainly come from sub council 14 and nearby informal settlements, addressing a critical housing need in the area.
Providing an update on the project, on Tuesday, Simmers said the project will be implemented in phases and is expected to create up to 6 000 job opportunities.
"These jobs will arise as contractors are encouraged to employ local labour and subcontractors within the sub council area," Simmers said.
Electrical works well underway
Meanwhile, the MEC noted that the electrical engineering works are well underway and expected to be completed by August 2026.
Simmers said civil and bulk earthworks commenced earlier this year, while the installation of internal engineering services is scheduled to start in May 2026.
This will be followed by the construction of the housing units, which is set to commence in October 2026.
“We are pleased with the steady progress made at Welmoed, despite significant challenges posed by unlawful occupations.
“The Western Cape Government condemns and continues to fight the unlawful occupation of land and buildings earmarked for affordable housing delivery. We strongly urge communities, activist groups, and political parties in the Western Cape to support our efforts and refrain from encouraging unlawful activities,” the MEC said.
A beneficiary verification process is scheduled for September 2025 to determine the final housing allocations, ensuring inclusivity and transparency throughout.
“Since the start of my current term in office, building partnerships has become paramount to ensure the successful delivery of vital infrastructure projects, including human settlements, and our communities are our most valued partners.”
Simmers and officials of the department will soon host public meetings in each ward within subcouncil 14 to provide communities with a detailed progress update of the Welmoed housing project.
“I look forward to meeting with residents soon to discuss the progress of this much-needed housing development in the area. I also encourage all potential beneficiaries to participate actively in the verification drive to help us achieve a fair and inclusive outcome,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
