Efforts are underway to get construction back on track at the Luyolo construction site in Gugulethu after three months of non-activity.
The site, which is one of three Airport Precinct infill sites, was forced to shut down early this year following a shooting incident.
The other sites are in Gxagxa and Tambo Village.
Two workers sustained gunshot wounds.
On Wednesday 1 June, the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers visited the Luyolo site and urged cooperation. He said the Tambo Village site was also affected.
“The first incident occurred on Monday 28 February at the Tambo Village site which resulted in an imposed site closure for a week to allow the necessary investigations to proceed as well as provide counselling to the traumatised workers. The second shooting incident took place on Thursday 17 March at Luyolo construction site,” he said.
He said it is believed that these incidents were preceded by acts of intimidation and threats at the sites by certain groups claiming to be representatives of an unknown business forum.
“Due to the site closures the department has incurred financial losses amounting to R 8 560 000 and an opportunity to deliver more than 45 housing opportunities. I appeal to the community of greater Gugulethu to come forward and work together with the department and through their nominated Steering Committee to ensure that this project remains on track,” said Simmers.
He stated that the project is intended to benefit people from the greater Gugulethu most of whom are the elderly, backyard dwellers and people living with disabilities.
“It is unfortunate that a project that is envisaged to yield 729 housing opportunities, is now at risk of not materialising as a result of a few individuals. We urge the citizens that if anyone has knowledge of who these criminals [areï to kindly alert the authorities so that this criminal spree may be brought to an end and construction can continue uninterrupted and deliver the much needed houses,” added Simmers.
He said the department will continue to engage its stakeholders, contractor and law enforcement agencies as it seeks to find a solution and get construction work underway.
“As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society,” concluded Simmers.
Gugulethu Development Forum (GDF)secretary Vincent Domingo said it is unfortunate for the development to be suspended due to some criminal elements. He urged the City and provincial government to intervene.
“The provincial minister needs to meet with the community before the construction resumes so we can discuss our challenges. Also we need to prioritise the safety of the workers on the site,” said Domingo.
He stated that delay of the housing construction has a negative impact on the beneficiaries. He emphasised that as the forum they support any development that is going to change the lives of their community.