GEORGE NEWS - The first project that the Human Settlements Department of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hopes to pursue, is at Erf 26823, Omega Street in George, for the potential development of social rental housing.
Social rental housing targets people whose monthly income is between R1 850 and R22 000.
According to a statement by the GRDM on Friday 9 December, a service provider has been procured through the supply chain management process to conduct a feasibility study on the site. The service provider was appointed on 1 August.
GRDM communications officer Marlene Nqumse said numerous activities have been conducted to determine whether the site and its infrastructure can support such development.
"The soil conditions have been tested. Currently we await capacity confirmation of water, electricity and sanitation for a four-storey walk-up building, with units varying in arrangement from one to three bedrooms with communal areas and requisite parking areas."
A final feasibility report is scheduled to be available by the end of January 2023.
"In the event that the feasibility report declares the project feasible, the site will be handed over to the social housing partner who will prepare a concept plan for approval, followed by other required plans," said Nqumse.
The feedback regarding the project was discussed at the annual integrated human settlements strategic plan review workshop of the GRDM, held at the Pine Lodge Conference Centre in George on 10 and 11 November.
Own Haven, GRDM's development and long-term management partner, also joined the work session.
Joel Mkunqwana, GRDM manager for Human Settlements, presented the current Human Settlement Strategic Plan, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.
He said the purpose of the workshop was to determine whether substantive changes have been made in relation to the national legislative and programme context in order to consider the impact of these changes; and to ensure that the strategic plan remains relevant to such changes as well as aligned with its administration.
Shehaam Sims, co-manager of Human Settlements, outlined what has been achieved so far using the GRDM's vision of becoming the "leading, enabling, and inclusive district, characterised by equitable and sustainable development, high quality of life, and equal opportunity for all, as foundation".
This was followed by best practice and useful benchmark presentations by various representatives.
The presentations can be accessed on the GRDM website, www.gardenroute.gov.za.
The workshop was attended by various stakeholders.
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