1963

The proposed outlay of the new coloured neighbourhood drawn up by the Department of Housing is sent to the Provincial Administrator for further approval. While provisions have been made out on the map for community and recreational purposes, it was noted as odd that there will only be one entrance into the settlement.

The map shows:

• 144 houses to be built
• 1 park & 1 sports ground
• 4 shops
• 1 hotel
• 1 church
• 1 creche
• 1 community centre, which will include a clinic
• 1 post office
• 1 police station

A health report further describes that the houses will be built in phases according to its size:

• 10 x 4 roomed houses
• 22 x 3 roomed houses
• 32 x 2 roomed houses
• All houses will be sub economic
• 3 houses will economic houses
• The houses must be ready by April 1965
• As soon as the houses are complete, the coloured people will be moved and the current location will be demolished.
• With regard to the wine cellar, something is being done about the flies but will have to see what happens during the rainy season.

Ouklowers noted that many of the facilities proposed on the map such as shops, a police station, the hotel/hostel, clinic and community centre never materialised. It is only in recent years after 1994 that a clinic and a community centre was established.
Today there is still only one entrance across the railway from Riebeek Kasteel into Esterhof and a dust road from the East leading into the coloured neighbourhood. This planning is also in line with many of the South African coloured and black settlements built during the Apartheid years, with few exits leading out of the settlement.

Reference:
Cape Town Archive Repository: 1962 Esterhof Proposal CDC 597 G7/493/1
Cape Town Archive Repository: 1963 Kleurlingbehuisingskema CDC 597 G7/493/1
Cape Town Archive Repository: town inspection KUS 1/82 5/2/1/F304