The City of Cape Town has advertised a tender for the sale and development of the Parow sub-precinct 2 site, located along the Voortrekker corridor. These well-located sites are proposed for a social housing development.
The proposed sale and development of the well-located erven forms part of the City's Accelerated Land Release for Affordable Housing Programme to unlock development opportunities in areas across the city.
'The well-located area in Parow is a very short distance from the Voortrekker corridor; it is also close to public transport, schools, and places of worship, a library and a police station. Our work continues and we remain committed to enabling the roll out of social housing in and near urban centres of the Cape Town metro.
'The City has over 50 parcels of land in the pipeline for release to the private sector, for affordable housing development in the short to long term. This is a testament to the City's commitment to developing land for social housing in the metro, which is close to economic opportunities and public transport.
"We have three social housing projects under construction currently, with a combined yield of more than 1 300 opportunities. A further estimated 1 600 social housing opportunities will also be unlocked through the release of an additional five City owned land parcels within the city and surrounding areas,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.
For more information and how to apply for social housing opportunities:https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/City-housing-and-properties/Housing-opportunities/Apply-for-social-housing
Facts about social housing:
It is managed by accredited social housing institutions (SHIs).
SHIs are solely dependent on rental income. They receive no operational grants. They are able to service their debt finance through rental income.
As with any rental contract, tenants formally enter into lease agreements. The landlord is the SHI.
If tenants do not adhere to their lease agreements, the responsible SHI will follow the necessary legal process. Tenants must therefore pay to stay as the rental money is used for the day-to-day operation and upkeep of the complex.
The City has nothing to do with the day-to-day management of SHIs, the rental amount or evictions for not paying.
Before potential beneficiaries can apply for social housing, they are required to register on the City's Housing Needs Register.
Projects are developed on well-located, accessible land in and near urban centres.
It is not low-income subsidised government housing, such as Breaking New Ground (or the commonly called RDP housing and it is not City Council Rental Units).
It is managed with 24-hour security and access control.
The City may sell City-owned land at a discounted price for social housing developments to make projects economically viable.
Social housing offers improved access to social facilities and other amenities.
A single grant subsidy can benefit on average five households versus one household for Council rental units.
Social housing adds value to vacant pieces of land.
Social housing has the potential to improve property values in an area.
Source: City Of Cape Town