City of Joburg avails 84 properties to develop low cost housing

The City of Johannesburg has unveiled an ambitious plan to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the inner city region. Executive Mayor Councilor Herman Mashaba announced that the city has identified 84 properties that are ripe for investment and development opportunities. These properties are being made available to property developers to create affordable accommodation, student housing, and SMME hubs, with the ultimate goal of fostering an inclusive society where residents can live, work, and play. This initiative not only aims to address the need for housing but also envisions vibrant communities with access to schools, ECD centers, nightlife, restaurants, and theaters. Currently, the City of Johannesburg has put 484 buildings out on tender for private sector developers to submit proposals for converting them into affordable housing and small business areas. Mayor Mashaba revealed that the city plans to offer approximately 100 buildings per year, with a total potential of 500 buildings over the next few years. The ambition is to transform the inner city into a hub of construction activity and revitalize the urban landscape. The motivation behind this initiative lies in the city's recognition of its limitations in addressing the significant housing backlog, which stands at 300,000 units. By partnering with the private sector, Mayor Mashaba believes that the expertise and resources of private developers can be leveraged to tackle this challenge effectively. The city is seeking proposals from companies with strong track records, robust balance sheets, and a commitment to building high-quality, inclusive communities. One of the key concerns surrounding this ambitious development plan is the issue of security. Mayor Mashaba emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and security in the city, particularly as it undergoes rapid transformation. To address this, the city has initiated the recruitment of 1500 new police officers who are currently undergoing training. Additionally, municipal courts are being established to streamline the legal process and ensure that law enforcement measures are effective. The response to the City of Johannesburg's offer of 84 properties for development has been overwhelmingly positive. Mayor Mashaba expressed excitement about the level of interest from developers and entrepreneurs looking to participate in this transformative project. The opportunity to contribute to the creation of much-needed housing and community spaces in the inner city has attracted significant attention and is seen as a promising avenue for collaboration between the public and private sectors. In conclusion, the City of Johannesburg's initiative to make 84 properties available for low-cost housing development represents a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis and revitalizing the urban landscape. By partnering with private developers and prioritizing the creation of inclusive communities, the city aims to create a vibrant and sustainable environment where residents can thrive.