Since 2004, the department has embarked on a process of transforming hostels into family and other rental units accommodating a variety of beneficiaries. The aim of the programme is to ensure a successful integration of the old hostel precincts into communities.
Thus far, the focus has been on hostels in Diepkloof, Meadowlands, Orlando West, Dube, Kagiso, Mohlakeng, Saulsville, Mamelodi, Refilwe, Sebokeng, Boipatong, Sethokga and Buyafuthi. The Alternative Tenure programme includes social housing, backyard rental and hostel eradication to provide affordable rental accommodation for those residents who are not able to or do not wish to own houses in Gauteng.
Since its inception, the project has shown a tangible and convinced result when relating to implementation of the alternative material in the provinces, whereby the implementation has been roll out in some other project like Kaalfontein were 700 houses out of 850 have been completed using the technology. The material has enabled the department to built 40 square meter houses instead of 36 square meters.
The implementation of Breaking New Grounds (BNG) alternative technologies is the brainchild of former housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu where in 2007 Eric Molobi Innovation Hub in Soshanguve was launched. The hub offered an opportunity to contractors and developers to put in test their material. Material Such as steel, expanded polystyrene, wood, concrete, soil-cement stabilised bricks insulate steel panels has been used to build houses. Alternative tenure programme includes social housing, backyard rental, hostel redevelopment or affordable rental accommodation.
Through this initiative, the department is increasing on social housing units so that it continues providing diversified rental housing options for different income groups across the province with focus in inner cities and infill developments.
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
11 August 2009
Source: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.housing.gpg.gov.za/)
