Bitou benefits from housing delivery, rental support services and Services & Opportunities Fair
Media Release by Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers
The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) today marked three important milestones in Bitou: the launch of a new Rental Housing Tribunal Information Office, the continued handover of homes at the Ebenhaezer Housing Project, and the hosting of a Services and Opportunities Fair to connect residents with government support programmes.
The new Information Office forms part of the Province’s drive to decentralise the services of the Rental Housing Tribunal and bring them closer to communities. The office will provide residents with easier access to information, support and dispute resolution services, ensuring that both tenants and landlords are treated fairly and with dignity, while promoting stability in the local rental market.
At the same time, beneficiaries received homes at the Ebenhaezer Housing Project, which is one of the largest integrated residential developments in the area. Spanning more than 84 hectares, the project will ultimately deliver 1 637 residential opportunities.
Receiving her home, Lizzy Yantolo, said, “I am very happy with the new home for children, and I am proud of myself for getting us to this point. I am also thankful to the Western Cape Government and the Bitou Municipality for making this a reality.”
Phase 1 has already delivered 204 opportunities, including 154 BNG homes, 25 First Home Finance units and 25 serviced sites. All 154 BNG homes have been handed over. Phase 2, which will provide a further 1 433 opportunities, is underway, with civil services being rolled out in phases and the first top structures moving through procurement.
The Services and Opportunities Fair further strengthened access to support, including a dedicated housing verification desk to assist residents with housing-related queries and application processes.
Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers said, “Today is about more than infrastructure delivery. It is about bringing government services closer to our residents, whether through fair rental support, new homeownership opportunities at Ebenhaezer, or direct access to assistance at our Services and Opportunities Fair. This is how we build stronger, more secure communities in Bitou.”
These initiatives underscore the Western Cape Government’s continued focus on fairness, delivery and sustainable human settlements.
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Media enquiries
Melt Botes
Spokesperson to Provincial Minister Tertuis Simmers
Cell: 082 431 0068
Email: Melchior.Botes@westerncape.gov.za
