99.3% of City’s Human Settlements Capital Budget Successfully Spent: The Importance of Partnerships

by
1 min read
h u

The City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate has achieved a significant milestone, spending 99.3% of its budget of over R880 million in the 2022/23 financial year. These funds have been allocated to improve living conditions for vulnerable households and provide adequate housing. The directorate also spent most of its informal and urban settlements grant funding. The funds were used to provide housing and improve living conditions for the residents.

Praise for the City’s Human Settlements Directorate

Alderman James Vos, the City’s Acting Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, commended the directorate’s achievement. He emphasized that the budget was spent on the people it was earmarked for, producing a real impact on the residents’ lives. “It clearly shows that we are ready to scale up our efforts in collaboration with the private sector,” said Vos.

More Enabling Role for the City

The City must adopt a more enabling role to enhance the directorate’s efforts in providing more opportunities in well-located areas across the metro. This will entail greater partnerships and unlocking more land parcels for human settlements, including large, well-located National Government lands. Vos believes that exploring the potential of national mega-properties such as Wingfield, Youngsfield, Ysterplaat, and the Parliamentary village could create an estimated 100,000 social housing opportunities.

Primary Delivery Focuses

The City’s primary delivery focuses are on land acquisitions and the development of affordable housing opportunities in well-located areas. The City also maintains its rental units, offers a no-cost title deed transfer program, upgrades informal settlements and backyard services, and constructs new Breaking New Ground homes and incremental developments.

Public-Private Partnerships are Essential for Delivery at Scale

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are critical for delivery at scale in the future. In the first year of the Mayoral Priority Program for affordable housing land release, the City Council approved several sites for land release. Examples include Newmarket Street (Cape Town), Salt River Market (Salt River), Pickwick (Salt River), Fruit and Veg (CBD), and Earl Street (Woodstock). The City has 6,500 social housing units in the planning pipeline across 50 land parcels citywide.

In conclusion, Alderman Vos emphasized the importance of fostering public-private partnerships for the betterment of Cape Town’s residents and their living conditions. With greater partnerships, more land, and increased funding, the City of Cape Town and its partners can truly Build Cape Town together.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

b r
Previous Story

Bridging the Gap on Sustainable Health: The 13th BRICS Health Ministers Meeting

f r
Next Story

Couple Found Guilty of Defrauding Covid-19 Relief Funds

Latest from Blog

firefighters community outreach

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Firefighters Bring Joy to Children

In December 2024, firefighters brightened the holidays for children in care facilities by delivering wrapped gifts with big smiles. Partnering with Pick n Pay, they spread joy and gratitude after receiving support during a tough summer of wildfires. Each visit was a heartwarming reminder of kindness, as firefighters became symbols of generosity, teaching kids about empathy and community spirit. This joyful initiative shows how simple acts of giving can light up lives and strengthen bonds in the community.

justice gender-based violence

A Persistent Nightmare in Embalenhle: Justice Served

In Embalenhle, South Africa, a dark nightmare unfolded as Themba Prince Shongwe committed terrible crimes, including rapes and murders, from 2016 to 2018. The community lived in fear as he targeted innocent girls, causing heartbreak and loss. Finally, justice was served when he was found guilty and sentenced to nine life terms in prison, bringing relief to the grieving families and a sense of safety back to the community. This victory shines a light on the importance of standing against violence and working together to protect the vulnerable.

street lighting community safety

Illuminating Cape Town: Lighting Up Safety and Community

Cape Town’s streetlight program shines brightly as it manages over 245,000 lights, making the city safer and more inviting, especially during the festive season. The community plays a vital role by reporting issues and staying alert, working together to protect these lights from theft and vandalism. With a focus on sustainability, the city is switching to energyefficient LEDs, reducing its environmental impact while keeping streets welllit. This initiative not only lights up the city but also brings people together, creating a warm and safe atmosphere that showcases Cape Town’s beauty at night.

housing development community empowerment

A Beacon of Hope: Gugulethu’s New Housing Project

The Gugulethu Infill Housing Project is bringing joy and hope to the community of Gugulethu, South Africa, by building 52 new homes for deserving families. This celebration marks a fresh start for many, especially the elderly and middleaged residents who finally have a safe place to call home. As they move in, they not only gain shelter but also a sense of belonging and stability. This project symbolizes the community’s strength and resilience, showing that together, they can overcome challenges and build a brighter future. The new homes are more than just buildings; they represent dreams coming true and a promise of better days ahead.

colonel celeste van der klashorst gender-based violence

Championing Justice: The Journey of Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is a fearless leader in South Africa’s fight against violence and crime, especially those targeting women and children. With over thirty years of service, she created Child Protection Units and now leads the National SECI Unit, tackling serious issues like serial rape and child pornography. Her team’s recent success in a major operation has led to arrests and rescued children, showing the powerful impact of her work. Colonel van der Klashorst inspires others with her passion for justice, making her a shining example of hope and resilience in the battle for a safer society.