11 September 2009

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has signalled its intention to accelerate the provision of social housing by signing agreements with two social housing institutions with a proven track record in the provision and management of social housing units.

The agreement with SOHCO Amalinda Housing and East London Own Haven is intended to spearhead the efficient and sustainable provision of social housing units to low and medium income households and individuals in Nelson Mandela Bay.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality intends, through its social housing partners, delivering social housing through a programme that contributes towards:

• The densification and integration of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality


• Access of low to medium income households to affordable rental homes


• Access of these households to the social and economic amenities of the Municipality


• Access to housing opportunities for people with special needs

In proceeding with the effective implementation of social Housing the Municipality has approved a Social Housing Policy and developed a Social Housing Strategy.

To this end, 14 designated restructuring areas have been identified, 6 of these have been approved by the National and Provincial Departments of Human Settlementswhile the other 8 areas will be submitted for approval by the end of this year. Approved areas are the Inner City and Lower Baakens, Walmer, Mount Croix, Despatch CBD, Uitenhage CBD and William Moffet.

The areas identified but not yet approved are Hunters Retreat, Kabega, Summestrand Lorraine, Wells Estate, Chatty, Greenbushes and Motherwell. Planning is underway for the projects in Walmer and Uitenhage and the Municipality is currently going through all the planning requirements for Mount Croix and Baakens valley.

The Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillor Bicks Ndoni, praised the initiative as progressive and long overdue. “Through this programme we intend to accelerate the provision of housing in this segment”, he said.

“Proper implementation of social housing will ensure that we integrate our communities, bring our communities closer to their places of work and also closer to public and social amenities so that we can improve the quality of life of our people,” he concluded.

Source: www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za