The old apartheid-style Orlando West Women’s Hostel in Soweto was demolished on Tuesday to make way for the second phase of the R150-million modern housing development catering for whole families.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Housing Councillor Dan Bovu was one of the people who witnessed the demolition as the sound of the grader reverberated through the air and swirling dust filled the atmosphere.

Phase one of the project saw the building of 84 new units, 44 of which are already occupied. The remaining 40 units have been temporarily allocated to the owners of 22 of the units demolished on Tuesday.

The hostel has been undergoing a major makeover under the City of Johannesburg’s multimillion rand Soweto Hostel Redevelopment and Upgrading Programme.

It is a joint initiative between the City and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. Bovu praised all stakeholders involved in the project and said this was a shining example of the City’s commitment to creating social cohesion and promoting the integration of communities.

Mutual respect and unity key

He said there had been mutual respect by all involved as everyone worked as a team throughout the project.

The MMC said the City was on track in its stated aim of doing away with all hostels, the creation of the apartheid regime’s segregated housing policy.

“On this project we have agreed to accommodate people from the hostel and those from outside. We cannot afford to continue dividing our communities, as happened during apartheid rule,” he said.

Ward 39 Councillor Praise-God Msibi said it had been a difficult journey.

“But everything is on track to ultimately change the face of Orlando West for the better,” he said.

The project will take 22 months to complete. However, the first 20 units are expected to be ready for occupation by March next year.

–Joburg.org.za