The City of Cape Town has dedicated over R1.2 billion to the repairs and maintenance of its public housing rental stock for the next three years. This investment aims to create safer and more dignified living spaces for its residents. One of the significant projects is the R12.7 million public housing staircase upgrade project, which targets the replacement of 32 rental stock staircases. The project is ongoing and expected to span across several financial years.
The Staircase Upgrade Project
The upgrading project primarily targets Community Residential Units (CRUs) in metro central regions such as Parkwood, Lotus River, Lavender Hill, Cafda Village, and Ocean View. To date, over R7 million has been spent on the replacement of staircases in these areas. In preparation for the expansion of the staircase replacement program to a broader range of areas, internal public housing teams have also been actively repairing staircases in other locations like Manenberg.
The No Cost Transfer Program
The City has introduced the No Cost Transfer program, which offers eligible tenants the opportunity to obtain free title deeds and ownership of their units. This initiative reflects the City’s dedication to providing secure housing for its residents. With the impressive scale of public housing offerings in the metro area, including more than 45,000 units, the City is one of the largest landlords in the country.
Fulfilling Rental Payment Obligations
Rental income plays a critical role in maintaining and repairing the public housing units. Hence, the City encourages tenants to fulfill their rental payment obligations. This will enable the City to continue achieving its vision of providing dignified accommodation for those in need.
Alderman James Vos’ Satisfaction with the Progress
Alderman James Vos, the City’s Acting Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the staircase upgrades. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of tenants and expressed gratitude to the residents for their patience while the work is being carried out.
Safety Concerns and Vandalism
The City is committed to prioritizing the most urgent repairs, ensuring the safety and well-being of its tenants. However, vandalism remains a significant contributor to the repair work required in public housing units. In response, the City urges tenants with safety concerns about their units and staircases to contact the Human Settlements Directorate, either via their call center or by sending a WhatsApp message to the designated number.
This remarkable investment in public housing upgrades demonstrates the City’s commitment to transforming the lives of its residents by providing secure, dignified housing that empowers communities and fosters a brighter future for all.
