KNYSNA NEWS - A new national approach to housing whereby citizens are given an empty plot of land on which to construct their own homes has been introduced to a development in Hornlee, where housing projects are making slow but steady progress.
A future housing site nearing the public engagement stage with its beneficiary list finalised, to a certain extent satisfies the dire housing needs in Hornlee.
Light dawned hopeful in October 2019 with the commencement of construction on four housing sites around the Knysna suburb. Over the past year the projects have suffered numerous delays due to Covid-19.
The main site, F2252, that has since been named Fountain Valley, was originally scheduled for completion in August 2020. The homes were handed over on time, albeit without electricity, which was eventually connected in December.
While several units at Fountain Valley were handed over to residents, construction to six surrounding units has continued.
The three remaining sites are Erf 3367 (Calender Street), Erf 3369 (near Hall Street), and Erf 3333 (old swimming pool). In October 2020 the municipality started handing over units on all these sites and a total of 62 units have been handed over thus far. However, all three sites are still without electricity.
At Erf 3367, 10 units remain to be handed over; at Erf 3369, 16 units remain; and at Erf 3333, 25 units remain.
In October 2020 Knysna Municipality spokesperson Christopher Bezuidenhoudt stated that all units were expected be handed over by January this year. However, due to delays caused by Covid-19, among others, this has not happened yet.
Two additional erven have since been earmarked for housing provision and development. The first is Erf 3339, where the municipality has called on proposals from developers. Bezuidenhoudt clarified that bids have been submitted and are currently being evaluated by the municipality.
The second is Erf 4712, and this is where the new approach is being taken. Here, beneficiaries will receive allocated lots of land that will be serviced, but the onus will fall on the beneficiaries to build a house on their lot themselves.
They do have the option of obtaining a quote for building materials and presenting it to the municipality to acquire the necessary funding. Bezuidenhoudt has put this approach down to new instructions from national government.
"The National Department of Human Settlements has issued a new instruction in terms of provision of housing opportunities which does not support construction of units, with the exception of designated groups, being the elderly, disabled, child-headed households, and military veterans."
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