Residents seek answers from authorities
Luzuko Tapula engaged with residents and explained the housing project plan was driven by the provincial department.
Residents of Arbor Park are still in the dark, after concerns regarding the new housing development project along the N11 were allegedly ignored.
In part one of the report last week, it was revealed a rental housing project in Arbor Park (at a cost of around R210-million) would see 540 units being built as part of a Communal Residential Units (CRUs) programme.
The project is being funded by the Provincial Department of Human Settlements and is anticipated to be completed within the next three years.
After residents alleged they were unaware of the development in the area, numerous public and ward committee meetings with Ward 34 councillor, MP Mkhwanazi and officials from the municipality were initiated and calls for provincial intervention ensued.
The community was subsequently addressed by a representative from the Provincial Department of Human Settlements (DHS) on October 14, at a public meeting at the Arbor Park Recreation Centre.
Luzuko Tapula engaged with residents and explained the housing project plan was driven by the provincial department.
After hours of explanation and deliberation, Tapula deduced the residents had been ‘misinformed’ by municipal officials and the underlying cause remained the contradiction surrounding the selection and due processes which needed to be followed ahead of the project.
At the meeting, Bhekinkosi Ndlovu (Acting Director of Human Settlements at the municipality), Sandile Mkhize (also from the municipality) and a representative of the implementing agent, Moteko Quantity Surveyors Project and Programme Managers were present.
“I’m here to iron out misconceptions by residents and prevent a ‘rental boycott’. Rent-to-own is false – there is no government institution which offers this programme. These units are for renting, not ownership,” emphasised Tapula.
“The [specs] we bring here are provincially approved. The aesthetics we want to deliver is to improve and assist people to commute and have easy access to amenities.”
A CRU typology of the project was circulated among residents to provide a visual explanation – but they were not satisfied, as other concerns regarding the project were reportedly left unanswered.
Residents posed questions which they believed the project would bring along with it.
“Some of the concerns included an increase in crime in the area, the lack of space in schools and the lack of basic service delivery by the municipality.
“Has the municipality and the DHS taken into consideration the pressure on the bulk services such as water supply and sewage infrastructure in this area?” asked a resident.
According to Tapula and the municipality, an extensive feasibility study was conducted prior to the project being approved. However, residents contested the study stating it was done in 2011 and the public was not consulted to update the information.
Head of Communications, Dr Dumisani Thabethe was approached through a media inquiry to address the concerns of the residents.
However, he declined to provide a official comment relating to the housing project.
ALSO READ: Arbor Park residents furious with housing project
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