The Western Cape government has been scrutinized for its latest housing project that was unveiled on social media on Tuesday, August 11. According to the Department of Human Settlements and the Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism, the Better Living Challenge (BLC) project aims to assist residents with self-build skills and knowledge, which can be used to build better structures in an informal settlement.
Are you an informal settlement resident looking to improve the building structure of your home? The Western Cape Department of Human Settlements’ Better Living Challenge project provides self-build skills & knowledge. Check out the 13-part video series: https://t.co/m3gN3OKSE2. pic.twitter.com/eV4eXJv9UA
— Western Cape Gov (@WesternCapeGov) August 10, 2021
The BLC has also developed a 13-part video series to help residents of informal settlements gain a better understanding of topics such as layout, foundations and building double-storey structures.
However, the project has been described as quite disgusting and defeatist by the Good Party’s secretary-general Brett Herron indicting that the Western Cape government is exposing itself as out of touch with the reality of the poverty and the conditions in informal settlements, IOL reported.
Meanwhile, Twitter has shared their opinion regarding the “controversial ” project with several users expressing their concerns.
So you expect that someone living in an informal settlement who needs this
a) on Twitter following you and
b) has data to watch your 13 part video series?Who is the out of touch person who thought THIS is how you talk to amongst the poorest people in the province?
— ?ArmyOfOne (@RickyMadeThat) August 11, 2021
I don’t think this is good and great for what is called , human Settlement and a government to say this is better no this is against constitution mandate , I will sober advise think again. Don’t play with the poor. Build better things don’t cement more on issue of shacks.
— Xolile (@ndzoyixolile) August 10, 2021
What about those who don’t have material but they would love to upgrade their houses while they still in waiting for better house, more information please
— betty mkinase (@BMkinase) August 11, 2021
??Someone came up with this. Someone approved this. Someone was paid for this. ?
— MaJubjub (@u_Jubjub) August 11, 2021
This is just crazy! Just formally bring back Apartheid. Please.
— Ndaba Gatsheni (@GatsheniNdaba) August 11, 2021
Another City of Cape Town social housing project at the Salt River Market site also took another turn as there is still no indication of who will be running the project to erect more than 800 social housing units there, News 24 reported.
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Picture: Western Cape government