Significant developments are currently underway in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. This follows the visit of KZN MEC for the Department of Human Settlements and Public Works, Sipho “KK” Nkosi, who came to Newcastle to oversee the first allocation of qualifying rental tenants for the N11 Community Residential Unit (CRU).
The event, which took place on Wednesday, 22 May 2024, at the N11 CRU Project on Silwerboom Street, Arbor Park, saw eight units being handed over to delighted families.
Reflecting on the event and its ongoing efforts towards providing affordable and sustainable housing, the Department explained that a budget of R268,464,148.06 had been approved for the N11 CRU Project. The project is set for completion in less than five months and will feature a total of 540 rental units.
“Together with the Hospital Street Social Housing Project in Newcastle, the N11 CRU Project provides tangible proof of the Department’s determination to expand its footprint for affordable rental housing beyond the urban centres in order to fulfil its mission to provide Houses, Security and Comfort for All,” stated the Department’s Communications Unit.
Discussing the rationale behind the construction of these units, the Department of Human Settlements and Public Works noted that a rental housing survey conducted in the Amajuba District highlighted the necessity of this project, given the high demand for rental accommodation in the Newcastle area.
According to the Department, the first allocation of the units to tenants at the N11 CRU Project follows just 10 months after the initial letting units of the Jika Joe CRU in Msunduzi Local Municipality were handed over by MEC Nkosi.
“It also follows the MEC’s visits, through the Operation Siyahlola initiative, to the Kokstad and Sibongile CRUs in the Harry Gwala and uMzinyathi District Municipalities, respectively. Such is the commitment by the Government to meet the varied housing needs of different income groups, whilst at the same time ensuring that people are closer to employment opportunities and services,” explained the Department.
While the project is nearing its completion, it has not been without its challenges. As reported by Newcastillian News, challenges included 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, measures were implemented as follows:
- 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.
To read more, click here.
Given the above and with the project set to be completed within the next five months, allowing more tenants to secure their residence at the facility, we invite you to share your thoughts on this development.
Please share your views in the comments section below.
Comments 4
Any details on how to apply for rental
How to apply to get one
I apply for housing need because I don’t qualify for RDP and I also don’t qualify for bond,I did receive acknowledgement from human settlement with ref number bt my problem is waiting list, why I am on the waiting list while I am going to pay for my house. Ladies there they seem to be uniformed can some one explain to me what is the process. Takx.
My family left Arbor Park because this development has devalued the area. The flats are constructed in such a way that tenants will be able to look into the backyards of houses. They have build the flats in a field where a sewerage line runs. All the fond memories of our childhood home gone. I think there should be a hard rule that says that Mayoral candidates can only be elected if born and have lived for at least 16 years in the town they wish to serve.