Cape Begins Rental Property Upgrade

January 18 - A R1 billion revamp project launched by Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato will enter its first phase with the upgrade of council houses and flats in and around the city.

Plto said that 7775 home would be revamped ahead of the World Cup

The first area to get an upgrade will be Kewtown, located near the Athlone Stadium which will be used for a training facility during the FIFA World Cup.

Other area that will receive much needed attention including Manneberg, Scottsville, Uitsig, Heideveld, Bishop Lavis and Ottery.

Plato suggests that the project will take up to five years to complete and that the homes would receive major repairs, including painting inside and out, plumbing overhauls and structural renovations.

"This major revamp is part of an upgrade program which will eventually address the major maintenance needs of the city's 43,500 rental units, with the primary emphasis being on improving living conditions for Cape Flat residents," said Plato.

"Most importantly, this project will also have a training and job creation component, which will see contractors using locals to do the work."

Plato said much consideration had been given to inconvenience residents as little as possible, however he agreed that some homes may need to be vacated while the workers complete their jobs.

A major plus for current tenants is that their rentals will not increase above the norm, however it is believed that the renovated homes would increase the general value of the properties in the area overall.

1/18/2010 9:01:39 AM