A New Chapter in Affordable Housing
On October 12, 2023, Councillor Carl Pophaim, a member of the City’s Human Settlements Mayoral Committee, along with other officials, presented 25 deserving beneficiaries with the keys to their new homes in the Breaking New Ground (BNG) Greenville Phase 4 project. This ambitious initiative, situated in Fisantekraal, Durbanville, is set to be completed by June 2025. Its goal is to offer over 1,000 houses to eligible residents and their families, including some of the most vulnerable individuals in the metropolitan region.
During the handover event, Councillor Pophaim expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am delighted to be here today to present these homes as part of this extraordinary project.” The City remains dedicated to providing housing opportunities across the metropolitan area for those who need them most. With the demand for housing reaching critical levels, working together is crucial to significantly impacting beneficiaries’ lives, as evidenced by this program.
Innovative Building Technologies in Focus
A unique aspect of this housing venture is its embrace of alternative building techniques. The Benex Block, an affordable, lightweight construction material, is utilized in the project to streamline and accelerate the installation process. The City is constantly searching for new and innovative approaches to enhance its projects, and the use of this state-of-the-art technology supports these endeavors.
By leveraging Benex Block, Garden Cities, the City’s development partner, can employ both skilled and unskilled labor from the nearby community. The City aims to incorporate this technology in future projects where feasible.
The City allocated R50 million towards the Greenville housing project for the 2023/24 fiscal year. Councillor Pophaim expressed appreciation to all staff members, contractors, and partners who contributed to making this project a reality. He also extended his gratitude to Garden Cities for their partnership and for delivering an outstanding project.
Fair and Transparent Beneficiary Selection
The process of selecting beneficiaries for the City’s housing projects follows the City’s Housing Allocation Policy and Housing Needs Register guidelines. This approach ensures that housing opportunities are distributed equitably and transparently, preventing queue jumping and prioritizing eligible individuals in accordance with South African legislation. Notably, the City’s political office bearers do not have access to or influence over the Register and its qualifying beneficiaries.
The City encourages residents to anonymously report any illegal activities, such as vandalism or attempted unlawful occupation, that have taken place or are anticipated to occur. To report these incidents, residents can dial 112 from a cell phone (toll-free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergency situations.
A Model for Future Housing Initiatives
The forward-thinking Greenville housing project illustrates the potential of collaboration between the City, its partners, and the community to effect meaningful change in people’s lives. By employing alternative building technologies and local labor, the project not only addresses housing needs but also promotes economic growth and social empowerment. As the project continues to progress, it serves as a shining example and source of inspiration for other housing efforts throughout the metropolitan area and beyond.
