Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced that the City of Cape Town will support affordable housing developments in informal settlements through its Township Development Fund. This move aims to provide assistance to micro-developers who have been constructing rental flats in informal settlements. The city plans to deploy dedicated planning officials to fast-track approvals and ensure safety compliance.
During a visit to the Salt River Market site, Hill-Lewis revealed that 970 affordable housing units are set to be built. He stated that many projects by micro-developers do not meet building standards, and the city will help cover the cost of connecting qualifying developments to municipal services. This includes the sewer network, ensuring that developments are safe and legal.
The city's initiative aligns with calls from non-profit organisation Ndifuna Ukwazi for greater support for affordable housing developments in informal settlements. The organisation emphasises that informal settlements must assume precedence in upgrade plans, allowing residents to live in better conditions. Ndifuna Ukwazi's stance highlights the need for the city to prioritise informal settlements.
Mayor Hill-Lewis explained that the city's goal is to unlock more development by helping micro-developers. He noted that the city will assist entrepreneurs in doing development in a safe, legal, and compliant manner. By doing so, the city aims to address the issue of subsidised applicants waiting for homes.
According to Hill-Lewis, more than 400,000 subsidised applicants in the Western Cape have been waiting for over 10 years for homes. The city's affordable housing initiative aims to address this backlog and provide relief to those in need. The Western Cape has a significant shortage of affordable housing.
The city's plan to support affordable housing developments has been welcomed by Ndifuna Ukwazi. The organisation believes that the city must put its resources where its mouth is regarding informal settlements upgrade. This will enable residents to live in better conditions, away from squalor and dense areas.
The City of Cape Town's Township Development Fund will play a crucial role in supporting affordable housing developments. By providing assistance to micro-developers and ensuring safety compliance, the city aims to make a positive impact on informal settlements. The initiative is expected to improve living conditions for thousands of residents.
Key points
- City of Cape Town to support affordable housing developments in informal settlements through Township Development Fund
- 970 affordable housing units set to be built at Salt River Market site
- Over 400,000 subsidised applicants waiting over 10 years for homes in Western Cape
