Sakkie Jenner, the ID Western Cape Provincial Chairperson, has welcomed the allocation of 1000 N2 Gateway homes to shack and backyard dwellers from Delft and the surrounding areas.

Shack and backyard dwellers from Belhar, Joe Slovo and Delft yesterday received homes allocated to families who are too poor to afford a home of their own.

‘The Independent Democrats welcomes the allocation, but urges both Provincial and National Government to fast track the allocation of housing to the impoverished,’ Mr Jenner says.

‘One of the major issues in the Western Cape is housing, and more needs to be done to ensure that these projects are fast tracked. Currently there is a national housing backlog of about 400 000 units for people who desperately want a home to call their own.

‘The Independent Democrats believes the number of houses being built per year, needs to be doubled in order to effect a decrease in the housing backlog,’ says Jenner.

‘This year, only about 3000 N2 Gateway homes have been given to families in the Western Cape.

‘The ID calls on all housing department offices to revamp the housing allocation plan and come up with solutions as to how these projects can be sped up without compromising quality,’ Jenner says.

‘Over and above the massive expansion of the housing process, our people need to be better educated about the process. Housing must also not be used for political gain.

‘Many of our families will have to go through yet another festive season living in tough conditions, without as much as proper sanitation and basic services. This must not be allowed to continue,’ says Jenner.

For media enquiries please contact Angus Flowers, ID Western Cape Media Officer on 078 444 8509