 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
STATEMENT BY THE CITY’S EXECUTIVE MAYOR, PATRICIA DE LILLE
Today I visited the City of Cape Town’s Sea View development in Hangberg, which is now home to 71 families. The first 26 beneficiaries moved in just before Christmas and the final 45 have made the development their home in the last week, just as winter is commencing.
Sea View is a milestone of one of the goals we set out to achieve at the beginning of this administration in 2011. The Hangberg area was then identified as an area in great need of development and redress in our Integrated Development Plan.
Today we have delivered on that commitment and the promise we made to the people of Hangberg.The Peace and Mediation Forum (PMF) was established in 2011. Since then the City, Western Cape Government and the PMF have met every month for years, led by myself and Premier Helen Zille.
Today we thank them for their leadership and willingness to serve the residents of Hangberg. I also want to thank the project steering committee for their courage, guidance and commitment.
Our commitment to redress and reconciliation is clearly evident in this development. It proves that ocean views are not just reserved for the highest bidder, and when the City can, we give the best to those who have their roots in the area. This is what building an inclusive city is all about.
Inclusivity is also about ensuring that residents have access to opportunities. Sea View is a transit-oriented development because it is located close to public transport, employment opportunities as well as schools.
I share in the joy of each and every one of the last 45 beneficiaries who have moved into their homes during the last week. Many of them now have addresses for very first time. Like Joleen September, an aftercare teacher from Hout Bay who moved in from a one-room wendy house last week. She is most excited about the fact that at 42 years old, she finally has her own bathroom with warm running water instantly available in her two-bedroom flat.
Mr and Mrs Romeo and Gwendalin Leggett also moved in last week after having moved 11 times while being on the housing database since 1997. They were backyarders who are now most grateful for the freedom and privacy they will have now to raise their young family.
The Bucktons who have been married for 27 years are both born and raised in Hout Bay. Until last week they were surrounded by taverns that played loud music late into the night. Now they fall asleep to sound of the ocean every night and they can rest easy knowing that the City of Cape Town will evict residents who engage in any illegal activities.
These examples illustrate the real difference that we have been able to make in people’s lives. Sea View is truly a bastion of the progress that can be made possible together. We have learnt many lessons from this area and we hope to continue to build on the improvements which we have worked towards.
Leave a Reply