Plans for affordable housing in Dias

Approximately 55 units are to be developed for middle income housing in Dias. This is the good news that stemmed from the monthly council meeting in March.

Council adopted an affordable housing strategy and plan in April 2016. This strategy identified three restructuring zones specifically to develop social housing for the middle income group through subsidy support from the national department of human settlements.

Apart from the proposed Louis Fourie Road housing project that was previously reported on, it was proposed that a site in Dias Beach be made available to a developer with the condition that a portion of the proposed development be developed for middle income housing with a minimum value of R450 000 and a maximum value of R750 000.

Council can then assist with the allocation to possible beneficiaries by setting the criteria.

In order to have a viable development with a middle-income component it was proposed that this development allows for approximately 55 units to occupants with a household income of between R7 500 and R25 000. These units will be in the form of flats, architecturally and aesthetically in line with the rest of the development and surrounding developments. The developer will be responsible to develop and manage this component within the criteria set by council until transfer has taken place to the successful beneficiaries.

Preference given

The middle income units will be sold to purchasers who comply with several criteria, such as a stated income, and being a first-time homeowner and a permanent Mossel Bay resident.

Preference will be given to employees of the SA Police, medical services, teachers, Correctional Services, municipal services and other officials who render services in the broader interest of the community.

These requirements, however, will not be absolute, water-tight criteria. Current owners of low-cost, state subsidised homes can qualify to advance the principle of incremental housing after the revert-back clause of their statesubsidised house has lapsed. The person purchasing the unit must personally occupy it.

Space will have to be provided for a possible future construction of a tram or light rail station with public access and public parking facilities.

Future land claims

Council said the possibility of a future land claim must be mentioned in the proposed tender.

The recommendations made to council were accepted with the proviso that a public participation process will be followed, the result of which will have to be tabled to council for consideration.