MC Tertuis Simmer on job opportunities created in Airport Precinct Infill Projects
Empowerment and job opportunities to increase with airport precinct housing development
While visiting the Tambo and Luyolo housing development sites in Gugulethu today, Western Cape MEC of Humans Settlements, Tertuis Simmers said he was pleased to note the local job opportunities that are being created in the Airport Precinct Infill Projects (APIP).
At these two sites alone, 42 job opportunities have been created, since the civil works commenced in September 2020.
These sites form part of the Airport Precinct Infills Projects (APIP). This is the first phase of the Main Precinct Informal Settlement Upgrading Project (ISUP). The APIP is divided into five infills sites namely, Luyolo, Tambo Village, Gxagxa (erf 301 & 302), New Rest and Lusaka, located in Gugulethu. The project involves the construction of internal and bulk engineering services, where 729 housing opportunities will be created. These opportunities consist of 455 Breaking New Ground (BNG) and 274 high density units for qualifying and deserving beneficiaries.
These beneficiaries will come from Gugulethu backyarders, Manenberg backyarders, New Rest backyarders, and the Gxagxa and Lusaka Informal settlements areas.
MEC Simmers said: “With the progress that is being made, there are various milestones that can be celebrated today. I am however happy to be informed that further job opportunities will be created during the construction of the top structures. It is anticipated that these opportunities will increase threefold once civil works commence at the Gxagxa and Lusaka sites and top structures start at Luyolo and Tambo.
The project, which has a budget allocation of R 364 million commenced in September 2020 and is expected to be concluded by February 2025.
Simmers added: “I’d like to thank all Project Steering Committee members for their diligent and active involvement in this project. They play a critical role and it is through this cooperation with Government that we’re seeing a smooth process unfolding. With that said, I call on all stakeholders, particularly community members to ensure that there are no delays on these projects, as this will only lead to a longer wait for a housing opportunity. Those that are seeking to act in an unlawful manner to disrupt and delay the significant progress that is being made should be reported to law enforcement agencies, so that they can face the full might of the law.
As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.”
Source: Government of South Africa