George Municipality Ongoing Commitment to Dignified and Inclusive Housing
In the photo: Metro Grounds Housing Project a mix of double- and single-storey homes, Photo Ruwacon
Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable housing and dignified living environments, the George Municipality continues to roll out key human settlements’ projects across the city. Through its Hu-man Settlements Department, the Municipality is driving integrated development, service provision, and inclusive community participation across several areas.
Erf 325 Syferfontein – Pacaltsdorp
One of the flagship projects, Erf 325 Syferfontein in Pacaltsdorp, commenced in 2019 in partnership with the Provincial Department of Infrastructure (DOI). The project is being implemented in phases, with the first phase involving the construction of 217 Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing units.
Due to delays between 2019 and 2025, some units were vandalised before they could be handed over to beneficiaries. These units are now being repaired, and the full handover of the 217 units is planned for September 2025.
In January 2025, work resumed to service the remaining 207 sites and begin top structure construction. This included 38 units for Military Veterans, 32 units for persons with disabilities, and 181 BNG units. The appointed contractor, Simply Do Construction (Pty) Ltd, has made strong progress:
• 30 of the 38 military veteran units have been completed.
• 80% of the 32 disabled-friendly units are finished.
• The remaining BNG units (25 single-storey and 124 double-storey) are under construction and expected to be completed by June 2026.
Metro Grounds Housing Project – Industria
The Metro Grounds Housing Project features a mix of double- and single-storey homes, designed as part of an integrated human settlements model. The project includes residential units, social amenities, business zones, and open spaces.
Deputy Director of Human Settlements, Simnikiwe Mbekushe, said the project includes 632 approved housing opportunities, divided into three phases:
• Phases 1 and 2, Three Hundred and Six (306) units are complete and in the de-snagging stage; the units are to be handed over by September 2025.
• Phase 3 is expected to be completed by mid-October 2025.
To date, 130 houses in Phase 1 have been completed and handed over. “We’re especially proud of the economic investment this project has made in our local economy,” said Mbekushe. “We appointed four local subcontractors and created 33 job opportunities, including 22 men and 11 women.”
The Municipality also ensured 22 units were specifically designed for beneficiaries with disabilities, further reinforcing its commitment to inclusive housing.
Golden Valley Project – Blanco
The Golden Valley Project in Blanco comprises 136 units constructed through the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP), where beneficiaries selected their own contractors. An additional 15 serviced erven were allocated to residents who did not qualify for government housing subsidies.
“Here too, we prioritised local economic development,” said Mbekushe. “Seven local subcontractors were appointed, and 45 job opportunities were created.” The project was successfully completed in 2022, overcoming terrain and infrastructure challenges.
Moeggehuur Informal Settlement – Pacaltsdorp
The Municipality is in the process of acquiring provincial land currently occupied by 58 families, most of whom do not qualify for subsidised housing due to income thresholds. While the acquisition is pending, basic services such as ablution facilities and water standpipes have been provided.
The Municipality plans to implement an Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) and manage non-qualifiers in line with its Human Settlements policies.
Erf 325 Rosedale Informal Settlement
Illegal occupation has affected 500 sites originally earmarked for formal housing beneficiaries. The area now faces overcrowding and encroachment on environmentally sensitive zones, including sewerage infrastructure. While some beneficiaries have been relocated, 158 unlawful occupants remain.
The Municipality intends to acquire alternative land for relocation and revive the original housing development plan.
Commitment to Dignified and Inclusive Housing
Executive Mayor Alderlady Jackie von Brandis reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to delivering integrated human settlements that prioritise dignity, access, and opportunity. “We continue to pursue partnerships across all spheres of government to fast-track housing delivery, formalise informal settlements, and improve the quality of life for our people,” said von Brandis. “The progress made reflects our shared vision for an inclusive and liveable George.” It also underpins the Strategic Objective in the IDP, which relates to safe, clean and green environments.
