R12m budgeted for Langa public housing maintenance projects

5 September 2023

Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements Councillor Carl Pophaim received a memorandum from a protesting group this morning,

Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements Councillor Carl Pophaim received a memorandum from a protesting group this morning, 5 September 2023. The City takes the residents' grievances seriously and will consider all matters raised.

'The City thanks residents for raising their concerns with us and we have assured them of our commitment to attending to all hostel maintenance as well as the required upgrades where feasible. The City has an open-door policy and members of the community are always encouraged to approach the City in good faith, in a peaceful and constructive manner.

'In this Financial Year, we have budgeted for more than R12 million for the maintenance and general services of Langa public housing units. The work at the Langa public housing units includes painting of walls and window frames, the provision and servicing of 19 waste skip bins, the cleansing of the hostels, as well as area cleaning and grass cutting. Funding has also been allocated for public housing pest control, fire equipment maintenance and replacement, as well as for additional cleaning where required. It is critical for every community member to work with the City in order to safeguard our hostels and rental units from vandalism in order to maintain sustainable facilities.

'A considerable investment has been made into the City's hostel transformation programme and 463 new apartments have been built. The City remains committed to its hostel transformation and much work has been done since 2020 already. Some of the City's Langa projects are at the advanced planning stages. Funding availability is a determining factor in order for projects to start. Discussions with the Western Cape Government and National Departments of Human Settlements are ongoing, with a view to secure funding for future projects,' said Councillor Pophaim.

In 2020, the City carried out renovations and upgrades to four Community Residential Unit blocks comprising 432 units in Washington Avenue Langa. All City-owned CRUs undergo regular maintenance and the Human Settlements Directorate plans to complete more maintenance and upgrades on City rental units across the metro.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

memorandum of agreement housing