‘The Downs housing project in Manenberg is expected to be completed in mid-2022, if all goes according to plan. The R77 million project is located on five different sites in the area. It is an example of the City’s commitment to providing affordable housing on suitable land in and near urban centres.

‘As a caring City, we recognise the need for housing opportunities that are situated on well-located land near urban centres across the metro, close to public transport, employment opportunities and economic nodes. All five sites are close to Govan Mbeki Road, which is a major transport route to and from Cape Town and the southern suburbs. The project is also close to a library, schools, community halls and open spaces.

‘I previously visited this project site earlier this year in May when we handed over the keys to the first of this site’s qualifying beneficiaries. It is remarkable to see the differences which have taken place in this time and it is always pleasing to see progress being made at the City’s housing projects.

‘We remain committed to creating housing opportunities for qualifying beneficiaries and to enable redress. We will continue to protect our projects and the rights of residents who are waiting for housing opportunities. The City thanks the project teams for their hard work and dedication in helping us provide homes to the beneficiaries, especially during this challenging time,’ said Councillor Booi.

Beneficiaries for this project, as is the case for all of the City’s housing projects, were selected in accordance with the City's Housing Allocation Policy and Housing Needs Register to ensure opportunities are made available in a fair and transparent manner that prevents queue jumping and to those who qualify for housing as per the South African legislation.