By Ndaba Dlamini
VACANT land at the Jerusalem site in Fairland, rezoned as a mixed-use facility by the City of Johannesburg, has been set aside for low-cost social housing.
Detailed planning and design of the development is under way, says Jabu Malobane, senior manager at the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco), a City Section 21 company responsible for developing and managing social housing.
"The project is planned for implementation towards the end of the 2005/2006 financial year," he adds.
The 25-hectare Jerusalem site, at the intersection of Beyers Naude Drive and the N1 Western Bypass in Fairland, was rezoned by the City for office, retail and institutional development in 2004; of this, 14 hectares were set aside for offices; two hectares for retail development such as shops; and seven hectares for institutional use, such as schools.
Malobane says, "The townhouse development of two-storey walk-ups will comprise one, two and three-bedroom units plastered externally and internally. Rentals will range from R750 to R1 500 a month."
Joshco also plans to build 270 to 300 units ranging in size from 36mē to 55mē. The housing project is aimed at a mixed income group earning up to R7 000 a month. It is planned for two parts of the vacant land, between Willson Street and the N1.
Residents have criticised plans for social housing on the site, saying it will be detrimental to the value of property in the area.
Deon Oberholzer, the chairman of an action group mandated to "stop the proposal in its tracks", says Fairland residents and ratepayers are challenging the plans. "The proposed site for the housing project is not suitable for residential use because of its proximity to the highway. It will be better utilised for office development.
"The City recently formalised rezoning of the property and we had no problem with that. Joshco's proposal to construct social houses, however, is in direct conflict with the formalised rezoning."
The Jerusalem site was a popular venue for religious groups which used it for church services - hence the name. The churches recently vacated the land to make way for the proposed developments. These will also put an end to the motorcycle racing on the site, a popular pastime.
Joshco presented the site plans at a meeting held with local residents on 17 February. The residents expressed their concerns about the effect of needed additional infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, and about issues like security.
Malobane says the meeting "was consultative in nature and did not reach any definite conclusion". "We are operating in terms of a mandate from the executive mayor of Johannesburg, who believes good governance entails engaging in consultative talks with communities."
The residents' concerns would be referred back to the City before a final decision is taken, Malobane adds.
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