The City of Cape Town is calling for public comments on a new subsidised housing project that it has planned for Atlantis.

Atlantis Extension 12 is a residential development providing for 1300 single residential erven that was planned and approved during the 1980s to accommodate the expected demand for housing.

However, these houses were never built. In 2000, approximately 680 houses were constructed on portions of the site by the Housing Association of Blaauwberg (HAB), but many vacant positions remain.

The City's Housing Directorate now intends to develop a first phase within Extension 12 in an effort to address the City's 400 000-strong housing waiting list.

The first phase will consist of the development of approximately 500 dwellings on Erf 6268, just off Charl Uys Drive in Atlantis. The proposed erven will measure between 80m² and 150m². All erven will be fully serviced by roads, sewerage, water and electricity.

Facilities and a road will need to be constructed, indigenous vegetation removed, undeveloped, vacant or derelict land will need to be developed, and portions of land will need to be subdivided.

The historic Mamre tree lane, which traverses the north-western part of the site, will be incorporated into a green space that will be zoned as a Public Open Space.

In terms of the National Environment Act (NEMA), the City is currently applying for environmental authorisation to undertake the above activities, including exemption from the appointment of a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EMP).

The Draft Basic Assessment Report will be available at Wesfleur Public Library until 9 February 2010.

The City invites Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to register to participate. Comments must be submitted by 9 February 2010.

Additional information can be obtained and representations made to Cecelia de Bruyn via the following means:

E-mail: Cecilia.deBruyn@capetown.gov.za,
Tel: 021 550 7511
Fax: 021 550 7638
Postal: Housing Directorate
P O Box 35
Milnerton
7435