Midvaal Local Municipality Mayor, Peter Teixeira, has given a detailed report on the state of housing in Midvaal, highlighting the delivery of housing and dignified living conditions as the core of Midvaal’s social development agenda.

“In the past five years, the Human Settlements Section has facilitated thousands of housing opportunities. The Sicelo reblocking is one of these opportunities.”

Teixeira reported that a total of 250 households from Sicelo Ext 5 were successfully relocated to Portion 47 Langkuil, with all families resettled by 2024. Teixeira added that the Sicelo ERF 78 Walk Up Units project delivered 540 completed housing units, marking a major milestone in addressing local housing needs.

“In addition to providing quality housing, the development created employment for approximately 200 residents and generated economic opportunities for local SMMEs during construction.”

Talking about ongoing projects in the municipality, Teixeira revealed that the ERF 188 project is set to deliver 150 serviced stands, with all planning and design work already completed.

“The Portion 77 Langkuil mixed-use development is expected to create approximately 8 000 housing opportunities, making it one of the municipality’s most significant future housing projects, while the Mamello Ext 1 project will provide approximately 600 housing opportunities for residents currently living in informal settlements.”

He said that the project will improve access to formal housing, enhancing the quality of life and long-term security of beneficiaries.

Teixeira told guests that the Savanna City House Development remains Midvaal’s flagship integrated project, with 18 399 housing opportunities planned across various housing categories.

“Beyond housing delivery, Savanna City has become a catalyst for economic growth and empowerment. The development has created over 1 400 job opportunities and provided 210 skills development opportunities. The municipality is engaging with the developer and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements to resolve bulk infrastructure challenges that have stalled the development.”

The municipality has facilitated the transfer of at least 2 300 title deeds in Savanna City and 185 title deeds in Sicelo.

“We are in the final stages of transferring a further 400 title deeds for Savanna City and 105 for ERF 206. Midvaal has submitted its application for Housing Accreditation Level 1. This will give the municipality authority over housing subsidy registration, beneficiary management, and project planning.”

“While we remain committed to protecting land from illegal invasions, we are equally committed to addressing the need for adequate housing opportunities for our residents.”

The municipality is actively facilitating the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) in close collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS).

Teixeira said that the municipality is finalising processes to support the relocation and upgrading of six informal settlements: Skansdam, Khayelitsha, Boitumelo, Kromdraai, Kwa-Brown and Pielie’s Farm.