Building stronger communities: City's Ottery social housing project open day
03 September 2024
The City’s Human Settlements Directorate recently held an open day to discuss plans for its new social housing project in Ottery.
Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements Councillor Carl Pophaim was there to provide information to community members and neighbours about the planned project which is expected to provide approximately 289 units.
'Social Housing has been shown to have numerous advantages for the surrounding area through the provision of clean and safe living spaces contributing to improved surveillance at a neighbourhood scale. The developments unlock the value of vacant pieces and offer affordable rental unit opportunities to families with a combined monthly income of below R22 000 who otherwise have to travel significant distances to access their places of employment, schools and other socio-economic amenities within the area.
'The location of the property lends itself particularly well to social housing as it is so close to Ottery Road and key transport routes. Planned public transport infrastructure investment to alleviate traffic congestion within this locality entails the Metro South East MyCiTi Corridor which includes Ottery Road in the implementation plan. Social housing is centred on enabling access to economic opportunities and is an affordable housing solution for households which have an ability to contribute a monthly rental payment.
'As part of the work being undertaken by the appointed consultants, various feasibility studies and analyses are under way. There will be public consultations to engage the relevant stakeholders. The City considers all comments and objectives that are received through statutory processes. Comments that are material to the proposed development are considered and factored in as the planning process progresses. We thank the Ottery community for their attendance and participation in this important open day. We are Building Cape Town Together,' said Councillor Pophaim.
Facts about social housing – affordable rental accommodation:
- Social housing has the potential to improve property values in an area.
- Social housing adds value to vacant pieces of land.
- It is not low-income subsidised government housing, such as Breaking New Ground (or the commonly called RDP housing and it is not City Council Rental Units).
- It is managed by accredited social housing institutions (SHIs).
- SHIs are solely dependent on rental income. They receive no operational grants. They are able to service their debt finance through rental income.
- As with any rental contract, tenants formally enter into lease agreements. The landlord is the SHI.
- If tenants do not adhere to their lease agreements, the responsible SHI will follow the necessary legal process. Tenants must therefore pay to stay as the rental money is used for the day-to-day operation and upkeep of the complex.
- The City has nothing to do with the day-to-day management of SHIs, the rental amount or evictions for not paying.
- Before potential beneficiaries can apply for social housing, they are required to register on the City's Housing Needs Register.
- Projects are developed on well-located, accessible land in and near urban centres.
- It is managed with 24-hour security and access control.
- The City may sell City-owned land at a discounted price for social housing developments to make projects economically viable.
- Social housing offers improved access to social facilities and other amenities.
- A single grant subsidy can benefit on average five households versus one household for Council rental units.
For more information and to apply: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/City-housing-and-properties/Housing-opportunities/Apply-for-social-housing
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
