Housing in Southern Africa November 2015

Housing

clinics like the amenities at Cosmo City. Joburg’s first pilot proj-

clearly evi- dent in Phase One of the project and is seen by the high level of services and quality of workmanship. The 486 fully Subsidised Housing Units in Phase One should be complete and occupied by March 2016.” The Development Agreement was signed in March 2010 and the Town- ship Application Approved during October 2011. Urban Dynamics spe- cialists in strategic and regional urban planning assisted with the creative design and layout of the project. Mali- bongwe Ridge broke ground in July 2012 and the duration of the devel- opment is approximately 40 months. Malibongwe Ridge is an extension to the Cosmo City Development. 54 ha of the 164 ha had to be developed and formed part of Cosmo City. The 489 fully subsidised stands

ect for integrated human settlements. “We want to see this happen at Mali- bongwe Ridge.” Nkosi addressed the strain onmunicipal services as people relocate to urban areas, in search of work and a better life. “There are 320 000 informal dwellings in the City of Johannesburg and this requires immediate and long term strategies.” The City also aims to increase rental units and sustainable human settle- ments that create safe environments. “We must never forget that we have a moral and governance obligation to provide housing for the poor in our society. There is nothing more satis- fying than having affordable decent accommodation along transport routes within a safe healthy environ- ment that supports our culture and heritage,” said Nkosi. Adding that the City is proud to be associated with this initiative and for

beneficiary a n d a d -

dresses the dire shortage of accommodation in the area. Those who do not qualify for subsidised housing can rent a room from the home owner, thereby offering formal accommoda- tion. Malibongwe Ridge will formpart of the human settlements economic growth zone linking Lanseria Airport, Krugersdorp, Centurion and the Preto- ria economic Corridor. Stakeholders from

the people of Itsoseng the future looks bright. Brian Mulherron, General Manager, Basil Read comments, “Mali- bongwe Ridge was de- signed by the City of Jo- hannesburg, Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and Ba- sil Read to eradicate the existing informal settlement of Itsoseng. The development aims to provide housing for qualifying and non- qualifying beneficia- ries. The urban design

Eskom, the City of Jo- hannesburg and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements listened to Codevco and members of the Malibongwe Ridge community, formerly known as Itsoseng share inspirational stories from the resi- dents and celebrate the houses that have already been con- structed. Codevco’s Develop-

includes social, commercial as well as urban agriculture, which will cre- ate additional job opportunities. The development and provides a safe, healthy and dignified living environ- ment that all its residentswill beproud of.” Mulherron explains, “The dedica- tion of the development partners, professional team and contractors is

in Phase One have been serviced by Basil Read and 486 houses built by subcontractor Toro Ya Africa. The unique duplex and single sto- rey design includes a house for each beneficiary plus the opportunity for the home owner to rent the two out- side rooms with separate facilities. This creates a viable income for the

ment Manager, Adam Masonganye added: “Malibongwe Ridge, similar to Basil Read/Codevco’s other suc- cessful developments Cosmo City and Savanna City in Gauteng, comprises integrated mixed-use housing for over 5 500 families as well as clinics, parks, schools, commercial and retail opportunities.” ■

November 2015