By Johnathan Paoli
Human settlements minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on Thursday unveiled a strategic plan aimed at repurposing inner city buildings for affordable housing in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.
She was accompanied by eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba and MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma.
The initiative is part of a broader agenda to revitalize the region’s urban landscape and enhance community well-being.
The announcement follows a crucial meeting focused on evaluating the performance of the province and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
The gathering marks the third of its kind under the 7th administration, echoing previous discussions in the Free State and Gauteng regions.
“We agreed that we would get a full report about available government buildings within the city that can be repurposed for affordable housing,” said Kubayi, who has started a series of engagements to review the performance of housing delivery in all metropolitan municipalities in the country.
She added that the urgent need for innovative approaches to meet the demand for social housing, noting that government buildings represent “low-hanging fruits” for creating much-needed rental units.
The plan also aims to make significant strides in upgrading informal settlements.
During a visit to Pilgrim X informal settlement, Kubayi highlighted a forthcoming project that will transform the area into a viable residential community, adding 404 housing units equipped with essential services like water, electricity, and sanitation, as well as community amenities such as parks and early childhood development sites.
The upgrade is supported by the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant and the Human Settlements Development Grant, marking a collaborative effort between national, provincial, and municipal bodies.
The project’s focus on in-situ upgrading ensures that residents will not be relocated, fostering stability and community integrity.
“This is your project. Protect it from any illegal activities. Its success is our collective responsibility,” Kubayi said.
She urged the local community and emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the initiative.
In addition to these housing projects, KwaZulu-Natal is poised to enhance the availability of affordable housing units targeted at the so-called “missing middle” demographic.
With several serviced sites ready for development, the province is set to facilitate First Home Finance and social housing initiatives.
MEC Duma and Mayor Xaba praised the effective collaboration among different governmental spheres, asserting that such unity is crucial for addressing the housing needs of vulnerable populations.
The minister’s visit also included an engagement with women involved in the human settlements sector through the “Empower Her” Programme, an initiative designed to bolster women’s roles in housing delivery and development.
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