Kouga secures R68m grant for informal settlement upgrades

30 Jan 2025
Media Releases

Kouga – Kouga Local Municipality has received a R68 million grant from the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS) to drive the formalisation and upgrading of informal settlements across the region.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, welcomed the funding as a critical step in addressing the infrastructure challenges faced by communities.

"This investment allows us to provide dignity and security to our residents while paving the way for sustainable growth. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Kouga has access to proper services and a safe living environment," he said.

The grant will fund several significant projects, including the formalisation of settlements in KwaNomzamo, Kruisfontein, Ocean View, Thornhill, and Patensie.

In KwaNomzamo, phase one of the project will involve the formalisation of land use rights and engineering designs for Shukushukuma, Polar Park, and Bungalows. Phase 1 of Construction will include the installation of water networks in the aforementioned settlements.  The project, is valued at R23.2 million, is set to commence in February 2025.

In Kruisfontein, the Donderhoek settlement will be formalised at a cost of R5.4 million, with work also beginning in February 2025. Meanwhile, the formalisation of the 80-hectare Ocean View settlement has already started, with R30.2 million allocated to secure land use rights, environmental authorisation, and engineering designs for all civil services.

Thornhill’s Tjoks informal settlement will undergo formalisation at a cost of R2.6 million, including the development of SG diagrams and engineering plans. Similarly, in Patensie, the Ramaphosa Village project will benefit households through formalisation efforts, valued at R6.4 million. Both projects are scheduled to commence in February 2025.

Formalising these settlements enhances the "state of readiness" for these projects, positioning them for additional funding consideration by the Department of Human Settlements. This funding could facilitate the expansion to waterborne sewer systems and, ultimately, the construction of top structures.

It is a vital step in uplifting our people and creating inclusive towns and villages across Kouga," he said.