PE is getting decent homes

Written by Siya Mti

Local government

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s human settlements directorate is being trans-formed into a unit that provides efficient services to its residents.

“I am happy to report that we have now turned the corner in returning stability and governance to this crucial area of our operations, ably assisted by the National Department of Human Settlements and the Housing Development Agency (HDA),” said Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Dr Danny Jordaan.

The executive mayor was speaking during the State of the City Address in Port Elizabeth recently.

He added that the poor workmanship of thousands of citizens’ housing had been addressed.

Thus far 4 175 units have been rectified, with many more to come. Nine parcels of land which have been made available for social housing in Walmer Links and Fairview were built, and are successful projects. Walmer Links has in fact won an Institute of Architects award,” said Jordaan.

The city’s target is to deliver over 7 000 housing opportunities in the current financial year.

“This number consists of over 4 000 low-cost houses, with the balance going towards informal settlements upgrading through serviced sites.

In terms of our commitment, a total of R713 million will be spent in this regard. This includes paying attention to the so-called “Toilet City” in Khayamnandi, where 823 units will be built. We want to build a city that former President Nelson Mandela would have been proud of.”

An additional 714 houses will be built through the social housing programme, with a third programme comprising 400 social housing units to be launched in 2017.