Programme Director,

Members of the Mayoral Committee and Multi-Party Government in Tshwane,

Ward Councillor of Ward 77 Cllr Tembeni Thabatha 

All councillors present

The broader community of Olivenhoutbosch,

Project beneficiaries,

Members of the media,

It is a great honour to be here today with the people of Olivenhoutbosch where we can celebrate some good news. 

We are gathered here today as we celebrate this important service delivery achievement for the people of Olivenhoutbosch with the completion of 447 new housing units. 

In completing these houses, we have provided the bulk infrastructure necessary to turn these houses into homes. 

This started with the construction of 1,5 kilometres of bulk water line and repairs to the internal water and sewer reticulation, 9km of road and storm water, 4 bridges and installation of 758 water meters scheduled to be completed in the near future. 

Additionally, we are pleased to announce the: 

100% completion of earth works.

100% completion of foundations.

99% completion of roofs. 

99% completion of doors and windows.

99% completion of electrical works, plumbing; and

79% completion of water and sewer connections.

The finalisation of the remainder of the elements to this development will be aided by the reprioritisation of R4,5 million in the most recent Adjustment Budget to ensure water provision in Olivenhoutbosch Ext 60. 

Programme Director, when this Multiparty Government took office in October 2024, we made a commitment to prioritise equitable basic service delivery across the City of Tshwane. 

For too long, many residents have felt neglected, experiencing unequal access to basic services, particularly in townships, informal settlements and rural areas.

We cannot allow a situation where some residents of Tshwane live without dignity by going without access to essential services. Olivenhoutbosch is one such example of a township that received unequal access to quality service delivery in the past. 

Addressing this inequality remains a driving motivation of this administration.

Even though housing provision remains a challenge in our country, government with its limited resources, needs to find innovative ways to deliver quality houses with the available budget. 

This project is an example of that.

In the City of Tshwane, together with our housing entity and other stakeholders, we are committed to the delivery of quality human settlements.

It is our conviction that we do not simply put up a roof over your head, but we ensure that we build homes with access to portable water, electricity, sanitation, road networks with storm water drainage to mitigate the effects of flooding given the current Tshwane weather patterns. 

While we welcome this project today, I would like to extend my gratitude to the people of Olivenhoutbosch for their patience. 

It is common cause that with any project of this size and magnitude to expect delays. 

This project suffered several delays which include vandalised sewer connections, changeover of the contractor and Covid-19.

Residents of greater Tshwane, while this project is happening in Olivenhoutbosh today, this administration has plans to bring liveable, affordable and sustainable housing opportunities to residents across the city. 

This includes title deeds and mixed used developments in and around urban centres. 

This is evidenced by our recent handover of Shubert Park. This park was handed over on condition that the developer would provide affordable housing close to the city where many people work, live and play. 

Ladies and gentlemen, in order to make the allocation of houses across the city fair and equitable, the Department of Human Settlements has conducted a beneficiary verification process to ensure that the correct people occupy these houses. 

While we are celebrating the completion of this project today, we are aware that in certain parts of this development beneficiaries have already taken occupancy. 

I urge you all to treasure and maintain these houses and refrain from selling or leasing them out, so that they continue to serve as a foundation for a better life for generations to come. 

Be a responsible property owner. 

This government will not hesitate to act swiftly should unlawful occupation be uncovered. In doing so, we plead with this community to abide by the city’s by-laws to keep Ext 60 clean and liveable. 

In conclusion, let me congratulate the beneficiaries of Extension 60. 

It is a great feeling to own your own home. 

Thank you also to all the stakeholders and City Officials who made this project a success. 

I want to also thank the Multiparty Coalition Government’s steadfast commitment to providing equitable basic services to the people of Tshwane.

Thank you.