More than half of a Mamre low-cost housing project is being retro-fitted with ceilings in an attempt to improve living conditions of residents, and create jobs for locals.

The project includes 400 units, 230 of which will undergo the change, according to the City of Cape Town.

Mayco member for housing, Shehaam Sims, said that thousands of houses in Cape Town were built before the National Housing Subsidy allowed for the inclusion of ceilings.

"A house without a ceiling falls far short of the ideal thermal protection one would like to see in every house. An insulated ceiling is the single most important energy-related upgrade we can make to improve health, quality of life, and reduce people's energy costs," Sims said.

The benefits of fitting ceilings included making homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Because Mamre was situated in a Condensation Problem Area, people without ceilings were prone to health problems related to damp and mould that formed on inside walls.

The project would also achieve some of the city's Energy and Climate Change Plan objectives, according to Marian Nieuwoudt, who chairs the Energy Committee. These included a 10 percent electricity consumption reduction, and local economic development.

Part of the stipulations were that a portion of the work went to unemployed residents. A total of 18 residents received contract work, and had since installed ceilings in their own homes.

Alan Winde, Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, is to investigate whether EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) funding can be made available so that the programme can be extended further in the province.

"This is a perfect project for EPWP funds as it will have a positive impact on the lives of low-income people, both through employment creation and the provision of better housing. We are currently investigating whether EPWP funding can be made available for its further roll out," he said.