Human Settlements
- What political forces are stalling the housing developments in Schulphoek, Hermanus;
- whether this is the first time that communities have turned their backs on existing agreements that have been made to meet the housing demand; if so, what are the relevant details;
what is the cost implications of this indecision for the government and for the local housing programme?
- The Schulphoek UISP project approval process is currently underway. There was a change in the scope of the project which necessitated internal discussions. It was agreed that the application had to be revised to allow for an Integrated Residential Development Programme Project and an Upgrading of Informal Settlement Programme component.
- This is not the first time that certain community interest groups have reneged on agreed deliverables. During 2019, the initial Memorandum of Understanding was signed by all parties but two community groupings later withdrew from the proceedings due to their objection of certain Councillors attending the Work-group meetings.
In February 2020, two interest groups did not attend the Work Group meeting, which proceeded nonetheless and decisions were taken with the remaining members. A Social Compact meeting was also not initially agreed to by all parties but this was later resolved.
During my visit on 25 February 2020 I urged all community and business groupings to sign the Social Compact agreement, to which all parties agreed.
- At present the Consulting team has prepared a Conceptual Framework document with input from all the interested parties. They are currently busy with the conceptual planning and design, as well as with the start of the Development Rights process. There is no delay in this process as yet.
At present, with respect to the enumeration study, it is anticipated that the survey will commence once the appropriate lockdown level allows for it to proceed. Should it be necessary that further stakeholder management be required by all parties in order to effect this, then this will be determined and effected.
The municipality will be using existing resources to conduct the survey so there are no budgetary implications with respect to this aspect at present. My department has budgeted R5 million for the Schulphoek project for this financial year, and has not changed its allocation for the project as yet.
