Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Matlhodi Maseko MPP.
The Standing Committee on Infrastructure in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament conducted an oversight visit to Theewaterskloof Municipality to assess the progress of ongoing and delayed housing projects. Unfortunately, land invasions have emerged as a primary issue, hindering the completion of these essential housing projects that will yield almost 16 000 housing opportunities.
The Theewaterskloof municipality informed the Committee that it had already spent a staggering R14.3 million on security costs to stop 732 structures from invasion, resulting in further delays in completing the projects. As a result, the standing committee on infrastructure will request quarterly reports from the Theewaterskloof Municipality on the progress made in delivering these housing projects.
The DA-run Western Cape has allocated almost R302 million to Theewaterskloof municipality until 2026, providing nearly 16 000 housing opportunities for the people of Theewaterskloof. The DA in the Western Cape recognises the urgency of addressing the housing crisis to ensure that our people can live in dignity. It is imperative to find solutions to prevent land grabs, allowing the construction of homes to begin without any further delay.
Matlhodi Maseko said: “The DA in the Western Cape recognises the importance of addressing these issues urgently to ensure that our communities can live in dignity. We are committed to holding the Theewaterskloof Municipality accountable for delays in housing projects due to community dynamics and inadequate solutions to tackle the increasing number of land invasions.”