SURPRISE OVER PROPOSED HOUSING PROJECT FOR BOKNES/CANNON ROCKS

Concern about lack of infrastructure, schools

NDLAMBE Municipality is considering a need for low-cost housing at the Boknes/Cannon Rocks crossroads because of the distance workers have to travel to get to the seaside villages.

The matter came to light when Cannon Rocks resident Flip Mare alerted TotT that surveyors had been seen at the crossroads and he learnt of a proposal to build 96 houses there.

“What about the infrastructure – water, sewerage, and the fact there are no schools there?” he said.

Both Cannon Rocks and Boknes are home to mostly retired people and many houses are holiday homes.

In past years, the villages have been plagued by poor water quality and water loss related to problems with the reverse osmosis plant.

In response to TotT’s queries, municipal spokesman Cecil Mbolekwa said the municipality assessed housing needs and demands in all areas under its jurisdiction.

“The Boknes/Cannon Rocks situation is that the people who are working around this area, have indicated the need for subsidis[ed] houses, citing distance between their places of work and where they currently reside,” Mbolekwa said.

“It is thus [the] responsibility of Ndlambe to take these needs on a serious note. The municipality has taken [the] initiative of engaging the department of human settlements, informing them of the plight of the people that stay and work in Boknes/Cannon Rocks area.”

Mbolekwa assured that the department had its own boxes to tick before any development is approved, including bulk infrastructure and sewer capacity and demand.