The Somerset West Social Housing project is located in Somerset West and is due to deliver 1,036 units.
Image: Supplied
Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane has reaffirmed the need for affordable housing after launching a R576 million greenfield social housing project expected to benefit 1 036 residents in Cape Town.
A total of 208 units are now ready for occupation at the Somerset social housing project, which is expected to be completed by March 2027.
Speaking on Tuesday, Simelane said the demand for affordable housing remained overwhelming, with 15 000 applications received for residency.
“When portions of the sections that were completed became ready for tenants, 15 000 people applied and were processed, which shows the level of need we are facing,” she said.
“It means there are many people who need this service.
“We already have two other projects that are going to accommodate others, but that is still not enough because if you have just 15 000 applicants in this area alone, you cannot imagine across the Western Cape how big the need is,” she said.
Around 440 000 applicants are currently registered on the City of Cape Town Housing Needs Register, with nearly R2.8 billion proposed for human settlements opportunities in the 2026/27 financial year.
Earlier this month, the city’s Human Settlements Department confirmed that 12 401 housing units had been handed over across Cape Town over the past five years.
Housing Rights Activist group, Ndifuna Ukwazi (NU), are challenging authorities like the national government and the City over concerns regarding the publication of the Draft Prevention of Illegal Eviction from Unlawful Occupation of Land Amendment Bill, 2026 (PIE ACT).
Council member for the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) Kevin Phillips said the Somerset development would have an impact beyond addressing housing shortages.
“The impact of this project goes beyond housing needs. During construction, the project created an average of 360 job opportunities. That means jobs, skills development and economic opportunity,” he said.
“This is exactly the kind of catalytic development we need in our country. It develops people socially and economically.”
The development has access to the N2 highway and, once completed, will comprise four-storey walk-up apartment blocks, with units distributed across 19 blocks.
The project will also include a commercial section featuring a crèche and shopping facilities. The residential component will include green spaces, recreational areas, play parks and braai facilities.