Residents of the decades-old Kalbaskraal informal settlement, in Lotus River, will finally be moving in their new homes during the first phase of the housing project, set for completion in October.

Ward 65 councillor Donovan Nelson said the Kalbaskraal upgrade project is now well under way after years of delay. “This project will provide 31 housing opportunities to qualifying beneficiaries, utilising alternative building materials to help restore the dignity of Kalbaskraal's residents,” he said.

Mieta Benjamin, community liaison officer and resident, Lihle Sigabi, project manager of Nejeni Construction and waed councillor Donovan Nelson.

Mr Nelson said: “The project, which was initiated in the previous term of office, experienced a delay of at least two years due to objections from surrounding residents. The City prioritised addressing these concerns, ensuring that every objection received during the public participation process was responded to, to help residents understand the importance of the project.”

Now moving ahead, the first phase of the project is set for completion by October.

Mr Nelson said the first phase inluded the “civils”, such as the streets, lighting infrastructure, electricity points, pipes and underground structure, etc.

Mr Nelson said this development will not only provide homes for the beneficiaries, it has also “created employment opportunities for eleven members of the Kalbaskraal community; helping them support their families during these challenging economic times.”

Mr Nelson said: “I am extremely proud of this project. It was clear to me from my first meeting with officials back in 2022 that they were committed to bringing this project to fruition. That dedication motivated me to support the team in getting this project off the ground. Providing these residents with dignified homes is our highest responsibility,” he said.

He said they are hoping the residents would take occupancy in January, “but it’s not definite”.

Mieta Benjamin, 51, said she had moved into Kalbaskraal 33 years ago when she was only 18 years old.

Ms Benjamin, the community liaison officer (CLO) of the housing project and also a beneficiary, said she started a family and raised three children and she now has three grandchildren in Kalbaskraal. “I am originally from the Eastern Cape and came to Cape Town to work as a housekeeper. I have worked in Lotus River but when I got a job at Lake Road Fisheries, I was looking for accommodation. I ended up in Kalbaskraal.”

Ms Benjamin said it was “a pleasure and a privilege to finally be able to move into a house soon and to be able to tell my grandchildren that I helped build this house.”

Dawn Pekeur, 56, said she moved in about 20 years ago with her son at the time.

She said she had been doing housekeeping and she was also qualified to do home care and currently looking after an elderly woman. “I am relieved and happy that we can soon get my family under one roof after being scattered for years, all thanks to God. I am assured that when I’m not here anymore my kids will be sorted.”

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