Developers withdraw from the Cape's largest housing project due to construction mafia

Lester Kiewit interviews Deon van Zyl, Chair of Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF).

Listen below.

The construction mafia's expansion into this province prompted the WCPDF to initiate research, seeking collaboration with government and communities to combat violent extortion.

They advocated for comprehensive policy implementation ensuring proactive community involvement in all development projects from inception.

Despite efforts, plundering persists, evidenced by developers withdrawing from the Cape's largest housing project due to extortion threats, which previously led to the fatal shooting of a City official on-site.

The ACSA Symphony Way project aimed at housing over 3200 families from Blikkiesdorp, Malawi Camp, and Freedom Farm.

From a public sector standpoint, Zyl notes a significant exacerbation in the construction mafia issue, surpassing expectations from the previous year.

Conversely, he suggests the problem is less pronounced within the private sector.

Unfortunately, he foresees further setbacks in public sector projects, particularly affecting service delivery initiatives and the most vulnerable communities.

While lacking specific insight into the ACSA Symphony Way project, he suspects contractors are withdrawing due to heightened risks to their workers' safety.

"In a way, public sector projects are a sitting duck."

- Deon van Zyl, Chair – Western Cape Property Development Forum

"When the risk to your staff is too great, it doesn't make sense."

- Deon van Zyl, Chair – Western Cape Property Development Forum

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