Metro hands over keys to beneficiaries of mayoral housing project in Atteridgeville

Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink and Human Settlements MMC Ofentse Madzebatela recently handed over the keys to new homes for Atteridgeville beneficiaries of the mayoral housing project.

The handover comes after the then-Mayoral Committee under the leadership of former mayor, Solly Msimanga, in 2017 sold the mayoral residential mansion in Muckleneuk for R5.1-million.

The committee proceeded to build 40 low-cost houses for previously disadvantaged and special needs beneficiaries in Atteridgeville. On May 21, the project was completed after numerous delays and residents were welcomed into their new homes.

Brink said that despite the delays, the project was nevertheless a success.

“While there have been delays, such as poor performance by contractors and early occupation by beneficiaries to prevent illegal invasion, this project is still a success,” he said.

“We have been able to provide housing and access to services to vulnerable groups in our society. Through this project, we deliberately identified beneficiaries who are elderly and people with disabilities,” Brink said.

The mayor considers the move to be a step forward in improving the lives of residents, though he acknowledges that the area still suffers from various issues.

Brink said there are still many challenges in Atteridgeville Ext 19, which include the need for more effective waste removal services, stormwater drainage systems and better roads. “These issues will be addressed over time but for now, we have delivered on our promise to provide housing to identified beneficiaries,” he said.

He added that the area has 219 stands and that the city is working with the provincial government to provide more housing opportunities to beneficiaries. Of the 219 stands, 40 were set aside for people with disabilities.

“There was a lot of criticism initially when the decision was taken to sell the mayoral mansion. Some said it wouldn’t lead to anything, some insisted that we needed a mayoral mansion to entertain guests and things like that,” Brink said.

“Former mayor (Solly) Msimanga insisted this was something we needed to do. There were many delays and many things we needed to sort out but I am delighted that we are now in a position where 40 people who are vulnerable and need special assistance have access to basic shelter and amenities which they didn’t have before,” Brink said.

He thanked Madzebatela and his team for their work regarding housing opportunities in the metro.

“The remaining homes will be upgraded to what we call ‘top structures’. We’ve agreed with the province to put this project in their business plans, they’ve agreed, so more will be built. This is what we want to do as a city, build more service stands for the people. Some can build themselves but for those who cannot, the government can come in and assist,” Madzebatela said.

Recently, the metro completed the Marabastad Townlands Social Housing Project after its inception in 2017. The townlands offer housing units that are close to the inner city, workplaces, schools and businesses.

Madzebatela, Brink and partnering organisations also donated furniture to a family living in the Townlands that had none and was sleeping on the floor.

“Selana Mojela had no furniture and had been sleeping on the floor since they moved into their unit. Mojela has two children, and one is paraplegic.

The Mojela family story touched many, which led to Good Samaritans, Captured By Grace Church and Enza Construction coming forward to donate some essentials for the family, which included beds, a couch and a stove. This is a great gesture that we gladly welcome,” Madzebatela said.

Through the Tshwane-owned Housing Company Tshwane (HCT), the metro is engaging the church in entering into a partnership that will see them offer several services to the residents of Townlands, which include the following:

– Maths and science classes for learners

– Youth development programmes

– Aerobics and fitness classes

– Food gardens

– Mediation and arbitration services

Residents who are interested in available units can apply on the First Floor of the SKG Tower Building (ABSA Building), situated at 310 Pretorius Street, Pretoria.

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