In order to implement the Informal Settlement Strategic Framework (ISSF) developed for the Western Cape, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements set up the Informal Settlement Support Programme (ISSP).  The ISSF seeks to transform vulnerable settlements into safe and sustainable neighbourhoods, by enabling access to public infrastructure, finance, land tenure, economic opportunities, and incremental housing opportunities.

The Mossel Bay UISP featured at the latest Western Cape ISSP Forum meeting that was held on 21 February 2020 at the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements offices in Cape Town.  Officials of the Mossel Bay Municipality; the implementing agent; community stakeholder engagement consultant; as well as the NGO (Development Action Group) appointed by the Province to better involve communities and the implementation of key interventions, attended the forum meeting. 

The Mossel Bay UISP project team had the opportunity to present the project to the forum to provide an overview of the project and to highlight some of the challenges and successes experienced on the project thus far.  The presentation was followed by a panel discussion where key issues were debated and members of the forum were able to ask questions relating to the project and the challenges faced by the team.

The meeting had a positive outcome with some very fruitful discussions and insights.  The project team as well as the forum members now have a better understanding of the way forward and the knowledge sharing that takes place at the forum is valuable to the stakeholders dealing with informal settlement upgrading.