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November 2015
clinics like the
amenities at Cosmo
City. Joburg’s first pilot proj-
ect for integrated human settlements.
“We want to see this happen at Mali-
bongwe Ridge.” Nkosi addressed the
strain onmunicipal services as people
relocate to urban areas, in search
of work and a better life. “There are
320 000 informal dwellings in the City
of Johannesburg and this requires
immediate and long term strategies.”
The City also aims to increase rental
units and sustainable human settle-
ments that create safe environments.
“We must never forget that we have a
moral and governance obligation to
provide housing for the poor in our
society. There is nothing more satis-
fying than having affordable decent
accommodation along transport
routes within a safe healthy environ-
ment that supports our culture and
heritage,” said Nkosi.
Adding that the City is proud to be
associated with this initiative and for
the people of Itsoseng
the future looks bright.
Brian Mulherron,
General Manager, Basil
Read comments, “Mali-
bongwe Ridge was de-
signed by the City of Jo-
hannesburg, Gauteng
Department of Human
Settlements and Ba-
sil Read to eradicate
the existing informal
settlement of Itsoseng.
The development aims
to provide housing for
qualifying and non-
qualifying beneficia-
ries. The urban design
includes social, commercial as well
as urban agriculture, which will cre-
ate additional job opportunities. The
development and provides a safe,
healthy and dignified living environ-
ment that all its residentswill beproud
of.” Mulherron explains, “The dedica-
tion of the development partners,
professional team and contractors is
clearly evi-
dent in Phase
One of the project
and is seen by the high
level of services and quality
of workmanship. The 486 fully
Subsidised Housing Units in Phase
One should be complete and occupied
by March 2016.”
The Development Agreement was
signed in March 2010 and the Town-
ship Application Approved during
October 2011. Urban Dynamics spe-
cialists in strategic and regional urban
planning assisted with the creative
design and layout of the project. Mali-
bongwe Ridge broke ground in July
2012 and the duration of the devel-
opment is approximately 40 months.
Malibongwe Ridge is an extension to
the Cosmo City Development. 54 ha of
the 164 ha had to be developed and
formed part of Cosmo City.
The 489 fully subsidised stands
in Phase One have been serviced by
Basil Read and 486 houses built by
subcontractor Toro Ya Africa.
The unique duplex and single sto-
rey design includes a house for each
beneficiary plus the opportunity for
the home owner to rent the two out-
side rooms with separate facilities.
This creates a viable income for the
beneficiary
a n d a d -
dresses the dire shortage of
accommodation in the area.
Those who do not qualify for
subsidised housing can rent
a room from the home owner,
thereby offering formal accommoda-
tion. Malibongwe Ridge will formpart
of the human settlements economic
growth zone linking Lanseria Airport,
Krugersdorp, Centurion and the Preto-
ria economic Corridor.
Stakeholders from
Eskom, the City of Jo-
hannesburg and the
Gauteng Department
of Human Settlements
listened to Codevco
and members of the
Malibongwe Ridge
community, formerly
known as Itsoseng
share inspirational
stories from the resi-
dents and celebrate
the houses that have
already been con-
structed.
Codevco’s Develop-
ment Manager, Adam Masonganye
added: “Malibongwe Ridge, similar
to Basil Read/Codevco’s other suc-
cessful developments Cosmo City and
Savanna City in Gauteng, comprises
integrated mixed-use housing for
over 5 500 families as well as clinics,
parks, schools, commercial and retail
opportunities.”
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Housing