Several families from the Pooke se Bos informal settlement moved into their new homes on Thursday.
The informal settlement which is located near Mohan and Repulse Road in Rylands, is home to more than 150 residents who have been living there for decades.
On Thursday, beneficiaries packed up their belongings to move into the R45-million housing project.
Cathleen Boysen said they have been waiting lank for this day to come.
“We have been waiting a long time for this day but at the right time, the breakthrough came. We will start a new chapter in our own house,” she says.
Cathleen and her family have been living in Pooke se Bos since 1993.
“We used to see people’s places being flooded in winter, it was never easy living here. After all these years I can say that I can do stuff in my own house,” she added.
Doreen Meyer is looking forward to moving in with her grandchildren.
“Ons bly al die jare in die koue hokke,” she said. “I just want to put vibracrete walls around the house and make it comfortable for my kids.”
However, there was also drama as some of the residents clashed with City of Cape Town officials regarding the selection process for the homes.
Serina McNeal added: “They now want to say that they don’t know about me. Here are my papers from the last 20 years that I have been on the housing database.
“We need the mayor to come and sort this thing out. Why did I vote for all the years?”
James Vos, acting Mayco member for Human Settlements, explained that 16 approved beneficiaries were given homes with more to come.
“There will be at least two more handovers over the next six to eight weeks.
“The City’s R45m Pooke se Bos infill housing project in Gatesville will provide 135 opportunities to qualifying beneficiaries once it is completed.”