A pilot project using alternate building technology is underway to fast-track housing delivery in eThekwini Municipality.
The alternative housing technology includes the use of energy efficient materials to create more greener and sustainable neighbourhoods. The municipality says these houses will be approved by the National Home Builders Registration Council. The Municipality’s Executive Committee approved a proposal to roll out alternative housing and servicing technologies in various housing projects, on Tuesday. This is the first time such technologies are being used for low cost housing delivery, according to the municipality. To date contractors have been appointed to deliver 800 units constructed using the alternative building method.Selecting a suitable alternative
On 11 November 2013, the Bid Adjudication Committee approved the award for the building of 20 show houses to 20 service providers. The show houses served as a platform to assess the different housing technologies available and select a suitable alternative technology model to improve housing delivery. A few show houses were built at sites across the Municipality and this was done in order to evaluate many aspects related to compliance with building regulations and cost, functionality, longevity, post construction maintenance, among others.The assessment of alternative technology show houses also considered the quality and strength, thermal and environmental considerations, creation of employment opportunities and post construction maintenance.
The demonstration houses met technical, financial and social requirements. Services will include water, sanitation, pathways, retaining walls, roads and storm water drainage. City Manager Sibusiso Sithole says that the project will be delivered based on the current approved budgets. “The intention of Council is to fast track service delivery by exploring the market for alternative technologies and service,” explains Sithole.
