Four years have passed, and the Hospital Street Social Housing project remains unfinished, with no set completion date.
During the recent Mayoral Roadshow for the 5th Generation Integrated Plan, it was revealed that the overall progress on the construction of the 1056 social housing units stands at 65%.
As previously reported, the project was initially launched in October 2020 by former Newcastle Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, who explained at the time that not only would the multi-million project, which comes with a price tag of over R387 million bring about economic development, but would also enhance rates and taxes revenue in Newcastle.
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However, the project, a stone’s throw away from Mediclinic Newcastle, has faced a series of delays since it was officially launched, with the Newcastle Municipality noting that the most recent delays were due to loadshedding.
Although efforts are underway to address the issue, the Municipality didn’t provide a definitive completion deadline for the project.
Simultaneously, the N11 Community Residential Units (CRU) housing project is slowly showing progress. The housing project which will see the construction of 540 units is situated in Arbor Park, running along the N11. The project is currently at 60% completion.
According to the Newcastle Municipality, a total of 114 units are practically complete and are due for inspection at the end of May 2024.
With the project’s construction slowly gaining momentum, the Newcastle Municipality noted the initiative has faced some challenges. These challenges include the theft of materials and tools, illegal dumping on the site by community members, and overflowing sewers contaminating the base layer on the roads.
To address these challenges, the Municipality has implemented several measures:
- Enhanced security measures to deter theft.
- Proposal for a public meeting to engage neighbouring communities in preventing illegal dumping.
- Conducting an assessment of existing sewage infrastructure to explore solutions.
As efforts into both projects continue, proactive measures from the Municipality are essential to ensure the timely completion of this vital project and address pressing housing needs in the area, especially as the projects are meant to bolster the local economy.
What are your thoughts on the situation? Share your views in the comments section below.
8 Responses
We blacks sometimes we embarras ourselves by wrong doings. If one’s mind is functioning well, why do that person just dump or litter anyhow. We must start to educate ourselves on hygiene and cleanliness, so the young ones can learn from us about hygiene and cleanliness.
Let’s behave like human beings not like animals.
The article does not mention race responsible for dumping. Let’s keep it ‘illegal dumping,’
Hi everyone, kindly assist on how do we apply for staying in those flats, do we have to go to the municipality offices? and when will they be occupied?
How do we apply for these flats.
Hi how do we apply for the flats in Arbor Parkand near the hospital my email is [email protected] thank u
Please help us to apply we live alongside the river and we don’t get any help from anyone ..my email is [email protected] Wil await your reply.
The flats are reserved for family and friends of politicians……
I please help me to apply and what do u need to have to qualify for the flats