KNYSNA NEWS - In an effort to address the growing issue of scarce accommodation in the Knysna and Sedgefield area, the provincial department of human settlements and Knysna Municipality are looking to buy 2.3 hectares of land in Sedgefield on which to build low-income residential units.

According to the municipality's acting municipal manager Dr Michele Gratz, a formal offer to purchase has been made by the Western Cape department of human settlements (DoHS) on behalf of the municipality. 

These erven have been earmarked for low-income residential units as part of the Sedgefield Infill Housing Project. 

Gratz explained that both the DoHS and municipality would contribute to the purchase. "As housing is a function of national and provincial government, we applied to the DoHS for a grant to assist us in purchasing these properties. Our application, in terms of the National Housing Code, 2009 was successful and the DoHS has approved a contribution of R2 539 860 towards the sale price of R2.9 million. Knysna Municipality has committed to an internal contribution of R360 140 to finance the balance," said Gratz.

She said the land parcels, all near the U-Save centre at the top of Oestervanger Street, are the only properties available for housing opportunities within Sedgefield. "The demand for housing in Sedgefield is nearing 800 units," Gratz said.

"We are grateful to the private owner of these properties for being willing to sell them to us at this negotiated price. The erven in question are 3861, 4938, 4939, 5010 and the remainder of 917. Their combined size of over 2 hectares will allow us to eventually provide approximately 120 Breaking New Ground homes to qualifying recipients," she said.

Gratz said the municipality, acting as an agent for the state, "remains dedicated in its commitment to providing access to adequate housing to its residents" and that it will keep the public informed of progress. – Staff reporter

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