The City of Cape Town has relaunched its mega flagship ACSA Symphony Way housing project in Delft and commemorated slain City official Wendy Kloppers, who was murdered in 2023 by extortionist gangs while she was visiting the site.
ALSO READ: Construction mafia: Suspect arrested for Wendy Kloppers murder
The project, which was put on hold after the murder, is expected to benefit almost 3 500 informal settlement residents.
The R400 million flagship project comprises Site A and Site B, and 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.
Representatives from the three settlements attended the relaunch ceremony yesterday with City officials.
The MMC for Human Settlements Carl Pophaim says the relaunch marks a renewed commitment to delivering dignified housing opportunities while also remembering the legacy of Kloppers.
“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.”
It comes as Pophaim himself has been on the receiving end of threats.
But he says the City won’t 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 instil hope for the residents of Cape Town.”
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.
Pophaim has also called on residents to report extortionist threats, through anonymous tip-offs. Those with information can contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) on 021 480 7700 or by dialling 107 from a landline.
READ: City joins hands with private sector to root out construction mafia
