Massive social housing project rising in Walmer

Motorists travelling along Port Elizabeth’s Victoria Drive can be forgiven for being oblivious to a massive, R250m development that has been steadily rising in the woods just metres from the road.

Well-concealed by thick clumps of tall trees on the border of Walmer is an extensive new housing project called Milkwoods.

Named after the protected tree species found in the area, the striking new development is visually more akin to a brand new, small village than a social housing project.

Being developed by the Own Haven Housing Association, construction of the 630unit complex is well under way, with the first phase of the four-phase project completed.

Units are already occupied and the complex – which offers bachelor, one and two-bedroom apartments – is ultimately expected to accommodate more than 1,000 residents.

East London-headquartered Own Haven is a nonprofit organisation which has already completed a number of other projects, most of which are in the East London area.

The organisation, which is now completing several other social housing developments in the greater Walmer area and in Fairview, operates on a business model based on rentals only.

The second phase of the development is expected to be completed within the next few months. The complex is in front of the disused Arlington Race Course.

Own Haven client services manager Lynn Wood said the organisation’s housing schemes provided suitable, affordable accommodation to those who earned R15,000 a month or less.

“We aim to provide affordable accommodation which allows clients to live closer to their places of work,” she said.

“In many cases, people in these income groups live in outlying areas, which makes it difficult and expensive to reach their places of work.

“Potential clients are screened during the application process to ensure that they meet the requirements to take occupation.”

Revealing that Own Haven provides a number of complementary services in its housing developments, Wood said a children’s play area and a vegetable garden would also be established at Milkwoods.

“We are aiming to provide a very green environment and as such have removed very little of the existing vegetation,” she said.

“We are mindful of the milkwood trees and residents have been informed of what vegetation can be removed and what must remain untouched.

“We host a community development arm at our head office and this includes aspects such as a soup kitchen, a homework centre and various sports teams, including soccer and netball.

“We would like to introduce these initiatives here,” Wood said.