The matter was discussed at a virtual council meeting on 28 October. The 18 vacant stands are situated in Du Preez-, Quinn- and Zuideinde streets and have been earmarked for social housing. The project aims to develop and build rental units on the land currently owned by AGA. The social housing unit programme targets low-income persons and households, typically earning between R800 and R3,500 per month. There will also be a special dispensation for mine employees. Although the proposed beneficiaries of the project will rent the units, it will also be possible for some of them to buy the properties. AGA is only donating the stands, while it will be up to Merafong to develop them. In the council report, the municipality said the consolidation of almost an entire street block is a highly desirable way of increasing density because it offers a “clean slate” for well-designed infill development.
This form of housing densification is seldom available and should, therefore, be used to its full extent to provide affordable, high-quality housing while ensuring municipal financial viability. Because there will be no bulk electrical services at the site for the next two years, the development will be kept on ice. Until the development can proceed, Merafong will call for proposals for the site’s development as they are not in a position to do it themselves. The council accepted the donation and mandated the municipal manager to sign the Deed of Donation on its behalf. 
