The Cape Town City Council has granted its approval for the release of several plots of land in Parow, collectively spanning approximately 13 000 square metres.
These land parcels are strategically situated near key areas such as Voortrekker Road, the Tygerberg and Unisa campuses and other well-located locations.
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This move contributes to the increasing momentum behind transformative land releases and partnerships between the public and private sectors, all aimed at facilitating the provision of substantial social rental housing.
The forward momentum in Cape Town’s endeavours to release land for social housing continues with the announcement of two significant precincts in Parow, totalling around 13 000 square metres. These precincts are projected to yield approximately 650 units of social housing.
This builds on the progress made in the first year of the Priority Programme for Accelerated Land Release, which saw the release of five land parcels within the inner city, resulting in 1 300 housing units.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed optimism about these developments, highlighting that this progress aligns with the goal of expediting land release for affordable housing not only within the city centre but also in proximity to key economic nodes such as the vital Voortrekker road corridor connecting Cape Town CBD with Bellville.
Alderman James Vos, Acting Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, said: ‘Council’s approval of these properties with a desktop value of more than R25 million aims to unlock the well-located sites for social housing in partnership with social housing institutions to the benefit of those earning below R22 000 in household income per month. These subsidised rental developments are attractive and add value to our neighbourhoods.
Alderman Vos emphasised, ‘Our priority is to make more well-located land parcels available for affordable housing opportunities, with the help of private sector and social housing agencies. Unlocking these prime pieces of land will also bring much-needed construction jobs and residential opportunities for people in areas close to economic activity and transport hubs.’
He stressed the importance of leveraging land to unlock both social and economic prosperity, underlining that private sector involvement can significantly accelerate housing delivery.
This approach aligns with the City’s vision of fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility among its residents, creating a city categorised by hope and opportunity.
The City’s social housing initiatives adhere to established due processes and incorporate public participation. Nationally-set social housing policies target households with varying gross monthly incomes, ranging from R1 850 to R22 000.
Key points about social housing:
- Management is entrusted to accredited social housing institutions (SHIs).
- SHIs are sustained solely by rental income, operating without operational grants and relying on rental revenue to service their financial obligations.
- Tenants enter formal lease agreements, with the SHI serving as the landlord.
- The responsible SHI follows legal protocols in cases of lease agreement breaches, highlighting the financial importance of rental payments for the complex’s day-to-day operation and maintenance.
- The City is not involved in the routine management of SHIs, determination of rental amounts, or eviction proceedings due to non-payment.
- Prospective beneficiaries are required to register on the city’s Housing Needs Register before applying for social housing.
- Projects are developed on conveniently located and accessible land within or near urban centres.
- Social housing should not be confused with government-subsidised low-income housing or City Council rental units.
- Security and access control are maintained 24/7.
- The city may offer city-owned land at reduced rates to make social housing projects financially viable.
- Social housing enhances access to social facilities and amenities.
- It has the potential to elevate property values and improve the attractiveness of vacant land.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook