The Mayco Member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim, says he has received threats over a Delft housing project. He relaunched ACSA Symphony Way housing project on Monday.
The project had been targeted by extortionist before. It
was suspended after a City of Cape Town employee Wendy Kloppers, was gunned
down in 2023 while she was visiting the site.
COURTESY: Facebook - Cllr Carl PophaimAccording to the MMC, the project is expected to benefit
almost 3 500 informal settlement residents. Pophaim says this R400 million
flagship project comprises two sites, Site A and Site B.
ACSA Symphony Way housing project:
· Site A will yield 1 766 housing opportunities
· Estimated completion of Site A will be toward the second half of 2028,
if all goes according to plan
· Help us protect our projects: #EndExtortion – Enough – Genoeg – Kwanele
‘’It is one of the City's largest housing developments and will yield roughly 3
469 housing opportunities for beneficiaries and their families once completed.
The project is expected to accommodate three informal settlements communities —
Malawi Camp, Freedom Farm and Blikkiesdorp, which has been used as a settlement
for anyone needing emergency housing. The qualifying residents from these areas
are an important part of this relaunch and that is why we had representatives from
the three settlements here today,’’ said Carl Pophaim, Mayoral Committee Member
for Human Settlements.
Pophaim says the relaunch is also in memory of Kloppers,
adding that they will not be held hostasge by extrotionists.
‘’We are committed to seeing this project to its conclusion
for the benefit of some of our most vulnerable beneficiaries. It is absolutely
critical that members of the community help us to complete this project without
further criminal interference. We want to see the beneficiaries move into their
new homes as soon as possible so they may begin the next phase of their lives
in safety and comfort. Only then can we know that Wendy’s memory has been
honoured in some small way. It is beyond devastating that this project was
impacted by criminality and extortion in this extreme way.’’
‘’We cannot allow criminals impacting projects to become the norm. We are fighting it with everything we have. We are focused on reducing risks, tightening security and monitoring the area. Criminals cannot and will not be allowed to take additional lives and housing opportunities from those who most need them. As the City, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure the beneficiaries receive their opportunities. It is only by working with our communities that we will overcome these challenges. This is why we must continue to say Enough is Enough and stand together to fight criminality and extortion. Together we can make a difference and instill hope for the residents of Cape Town,’’ he added.
Once completed, the project will allow Airport Company South Africa (ACSA) to expand the Cape Town International Airport, including the realignment of the existing runway and ultimately the development of a second parallel runway.
Done by: Mitchum George
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