SLANGPARK HOUSING DEVELOPMENT THEEWATERSKLOOF MUNICIPALITY

PROJECT DESCRIPTION  The housing project is situated in the Western Cape in the town of Grabouw, 80 km from Cape on the N2 highway and is part of the Theewaterskloof Municipality.  The main objective was to enable the 843 families to build their own houses within a short period to high quality standards.  With the co-operation between several partners it was not only possible to give effect to the national goal to provide homes and dignity to the poorest of the poor but the necessary building skills were transferred, employment have been provided while a sense of pride have developed between the owners.  The project was funded by the Provincial Department of Housing.  The Department of Labour provided the training of the beneficiaries.

PARTNERSHIPS  The success of the project was a result of the partnerships which were established.  The beneficiary committee (Community), Provincial Department of Housing (Funding), Department of Labour (Training) and the TWK Municipality (Developer) were involved.  The beneficiary committee was involved in the planning, decision making, allocation, training, construction and handover processes.  TWK Municipality was the Developer and the project was coordinated by a project manager from the Municipality.  TWK Municipality also managed the funding and materials supply through a secondary support organization and provided project management and technical support services  The Department of Labour provided the training

PROJECT INNOVATION  Pilot managed people’s housing project with the full involvement of the community.  The community was directly involved in all the aspects of the process to build houses.  Their involvement created a sense of ownership and pride in the houses and residential neighborhood.  Successes: - Completed within one year - High standard of quality - Skills training - Job Creation - Building of a day care centre for Slangpark children

IMPACT ON POVERTY  Ownership of houses  Skills development  CLO, Admin Clerk, Security and Construction Controllers appointed from beneficiaries  Employment  Improvement of quality of life  Improvement of health of beneficiary families

SUSTAINABILITY  Project completed  Beneficiaries in better position to offer their skills to obtain employment  Good quality of houses needs minimal maintenance  Local trained labourers/sub-contractors utilized on other projects after completion of Slangpark project

CONCLUSION  Community involvement with the planning, decision making, allocation, training and construction processes during housing projects are crucial.  Beneficiaries can build their own houses with the necessary training.  Proper quality control and a well organized project and financial management functions contributed towards the success of the project.

SLANGPARK STREET

SLANGPARK HOUSE