Salt River site: look at the bigger picture

THE council delaying the decision on a project on the Salt River Market site has two bigger picture issues that need to be addressed.

First, given that the city has developed a pipeline of sites with the intent to build social housing, many of these projects will require mixeduse development and cross subsidies to enable effective, well-managed social housing.

The council needs to clearly articulate, and make public, the conditions under which these sites are released.

This is not just about one single site, but about a larger programme for inclusion and inner-city affordable housing.

Second, the city has embarked on a process of drafting an inclusionary housing policy.

This will give clear direction to private landowners and developers in taking responsibility towards providing affordable housing within the inner city.

The Salt River Market Site is one such inclusionary housing project.

It presents an opportunity to demonstrate how mixed-use projects can accommodate that, in a single development, catering to various income groups.

The process of developing an inclusionary housing policy sits at the heart of delivering affordable housing at scale.

If the City of Cape Town is uncertain about developments on their own properties, such as the Salt River Market site, it sends a very weak message for the formulation and direction of the inclusionary housing.

We need a clear commitment from the City Council in pursuit of an inclusive Cape Town, despite all the current political fractures. KUNDAI NYAMUTENHA

Communications officer – Development Action Group