Homeowners in the Silversand housing development in Blue Downs, Cape Town, say they have been left financially and emotionally devastated after waiting nearly four years for homes that were meant to be completed in early 2024.

The development involves 35 homeowners, many of whom applied for home loans through banks, including Nedbank and Absa. While funds were approved and released in phases to CSD Construction, most houses remain unfinished.

Some residents have even completed their bond repayments, but still have not received their homes.

“It has officially been four years since we applied for our home loans, yet we are still not living in our houses,” said Fezeka Dlephu, one of the affected homeowners.

“We have been paying interim interest this whole time, but we are renting elsewhere because we have no choice.”

Homeowners say the financial strain worsened when they stopped paying interim interest due to ongoing delays.

“Some of us then started being debited the full home bond directly from our bank accounts,” Dlephu explained. “It has put many homeowners under serious financial pressure, and some are now struggling to keep up with other expenses because the houses are not ready.”

According to Dlephu, the land for the development was previously owned by a church, which sold it to CSD Construction.

Homeowners say the developers and builders received payment for the land and construction, yet residents were left with incomplete homes.

“We have been played and undermined for a very long time,” Dlephu said. “CSD Construction has not been cooperating with us. There is no communication about when our houses will be completed.”

Residents also allege that construction quality has been compromised.

“They are using cheap materials just to try to finish the houses,” said homeowner Lilitha Sotobe.

“We are not getting what we signed for in our building contracts, which is very frustrating after all the money we have already paid,” she continued.

Another homeowner said the delays have damaged her credit records after banks continued charging interest despite stalled construction.

“We are now in bad financial standing, which affects where we can live and how we survive.”

In addition to rent, homeowners say they are paying municipal bills for houses they do not occupy.

“We are paying municipality bills without being in our homes,” Dlephu added. “Our health conditions are being compromised. Many of us are experiencing stress and suffering. This situation has caused anxiety, depression, and other health problems for multiple families.”

Homeowners confirmed they approached the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), which they say acknowledged the delays and extended deadlines after engaging with the developers.

Despite this, many residents are still waiting for completion while their bonds are near final payment stages.

“Most of us are left with final bond payments, but our houses are still not done,” Dlephu said.

The homeowners have now decided to take their struggle public and involve the media.

“We can’t do anything about this on our own anymore,” Dlephu said. “That’s why we are taking action and asking the media to help us.”

CSD Construction was contacted for comment and given more than 48 hours to respond to questions of allegations, but chose not to respond. 

lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za

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