The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) is set roll out several housing projects amounting to more than R500-million in Region D – which covers most parts of Soweto – over the next three years as part of a concerted effort to reduce the housing backlog.

This was revealed by Regional Director Pat Sephunya at a recent Integrated Development Planning (IDP) meeting in Pimville, Soweto.

One of the projects is in the ongoing Lufhereng mega housing development, west of Johannesburg, where JOSHCO will spend R116-million on providing affordable rental housing units, particularly for the low-income group.

Another is the R109-million Golden Highway housing development, between Southgate Mall and Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg, where a total of 588 two- and three-roomed housing units will be developed in two- and three-storey apartment blocks.

Other social housing projects will take place around the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Klipspruit, Dobsonville Extension 2 and Jabulani Extension 1, according to Sephunya.

“This goes to show how serious we are as a City about solving the housing backlog,” he said.

Ongoing upgrades

It has also budgeted R35-million over the next three years for the development of gravel roads in Protea South and the improvement of stormwater infrastructure in Protea Glen.

Sephunya also announced park upgrades in Meadowlands Zone 2 and Noordgesig. A further R75-million will be spent on upgrading gravel roads and stormwater infrastructure in Slovoville.

“You said it, we did it,” Sephunya said of the successes the region had achieved. We have a social contract with residents to ensure better and quality services.”

Among issues of concern raised by residents included storm water drain, proliferation of informal settlements, street names, hostel maintenance, sale of city owned land and the lack of street lighting.

–Joburg.org.za