The City of Cape Town recently upgraded its Council rental units (CRUs) in Atlantis and Hout Bay at a total cost of R9 million.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Assets and Facilities Management, Stuart Diamond says the extensive upgrade project forms part of the City’s Asset Management Plan which aims to improve the condition of the City’s rental stock units.

“The City’s rental units are a vital part of the affordable residential accommodation continuum. The CRUs are home to the poorest of the poor. These are rented units that are owned by the City,” Diamond explains.

“Some of the units were built as early as the 1940s and have since then been a home to thousands of residents,” he continues.

Upgrade work included, painting, roof replacement and repair as well servicing and replacing windows and doors.

Through the project 66 job opportunities were created for tenants residing in the upgraded CRU blocks in Atlantis.

“I must applaud the contractor for creating job opportunities for a group of tenants, albeit on a temporary basis. Bringing residents on board to be a part of the project will help to instill in them a sense of pride and belonging. On a daily basis they will be reminded of the role each of them played in uplifting their space,” Diamond says.