Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says residents of the Gatesville Rental Housing complex in Athlone, which is owned and managed by the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, will have all of their arrears written off. In addition to this, there will be no rent increases for the 69 pensioners of this residence.
Arrears, for the 136 units will be erased up until 31 August 2019.
During a meeting with residents last night, Minister Simmers said: “After meeting with you in August this year, I committed to finding solutions to your various queries. Not only have I done that, but I have gone a step further. This is particularly important, as the sale of these units to you has been in process for the past decade, and this commitment must be fulfilled.
It should be noted, had the government of 2004/5 followed through on their commitments to sell the units to the tenants, you would by now have been proud homeowners with Title Deeds. This is an injustice, which we, as a caring government will not allow to continue. Handing over Title Deeds, is significant, as it gives residents full home ownership and complete security, while also restoring the dignity of our people.”
The arrears to be written off is estimated at over R1,6 million, while the rental freeze forfeiture for the 69 pensioners would amount to approximately R62 000. It will also take up to 18 months for the sale of the units to be finalised.
Write-offs exclude department and or state employees and those that do not sign the new lease agreements.
“As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society, added Simmers.”
