Sheffield Road housing project completion delayed to 2027 as Cape Town faces housing crisis
Housing projects across Cape Town are facing delays at various stages, with concerns raised over coordination, infrastructure and delivery.
Image: Henk Kruger/IndependentNewspapers
The Western Cape Government has taken over the Sheffield Road housing project to accelerate delivery, as concerns grow over delays across Cape Town’s housing pipeline.
According to earlier City statements, the R135 million joint City and Western Cape Government housing project was expected to be completed in 2023.
However, the latest provincial timelines now place completion in 2027.
“Construction of top structures is currently under way as part of the broader housing delivery programme," the Provincial Department of Infrastructure said.
It added that the first 100 housing units are expected to be completed by June 2026, with full handover of all 384 units anticipated by June 2027 and overall completion scheduled for August 2027.
“The appointed contractor is active on site and responsible for delivering all 384 housing units," it added, acknowledging that that there have been some "implementation challenges", including approval delays, Eskom power line relocations and beneficiary qualification processes.
The City’s budget reflects a R30.6 million reduction after responsibility shifted to the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure.
The City has rejected claims of delays, saying its role in servicing the site has already been completed in terms of an agreement with the provincial government.
Human Settlements mayco member, Carl Pophaim, said: “The City would never purposefully delay a project. It makes no sense to do so.”
He added: “It is in the City’s interest to roll out projects timeously without delay.”
The City said projects are affected by different challenges at different stages.
In Elsies River, progress has been disrupted by ongoing gang violence at some sites.
In Maroela South, construction is under way, with 278 units being built and the first handovers expected in mid-2026.
In Mitchells Plain, the City said construction is expected to begin in 2027 following beneficiary administration, while Pelican Park Phase 2 and the Retreat project remain delayed due to environmental and planning processes.
However, GOOD Party councillor Jonathan Cupido said: “Projects are delayed at different stages for different reasons, but with the same outcome, slow delivery.”
He added: “The pipeline is slower than the public is told, and delivery is repeatedly pushed back.”
Cupido said Sheffield Road reflects a broader pattern across the City’s housing programme, with delays occurring at various points in the pipeline.
Housing activists have raised similar concerns.
Earlier this year, Ndifuna Ukwazi said: “The municipality is purporting to be responding to the housing crisis, but in actual fact, it is just managing perceptions.”
It added: “We have heard the script before.”
The organisation said more than 400 000 households remain on the housing waiting list, with planned developments making only a limited dent in demand.
In Hangberg, residents have also expressed growing frustration over delays in a housing project that has remained in the planning phase for several years.
Community activist Roscoe Fisher said: “Families are living in overcrowded, fire-prone structures, and residents are being asked to remain patient while nothing changes.”