Walter Sisulu Square Social Housing project opens its doors

The Walter Sisulu Square housing project in Kliptown, Soweto, welcomed its new residents last month. Like similar projects launched last year in the Joburg city including the Brickfields near the Market Theatre as well as the groundbreaking Cosmo City, the Walter Sisulu Square project, caters for mixed income earners who earn between R839.00 to R2 573.00.

The Walter Sisulu Square units will accommodate 478 units to qualified applicants. Just a stones throw, in the adjacent field which previously a home to Soweto 's only Golf Course, 932 units have also been built. According to Joburg Social Housing Company's (Joshco), Customer Liaison Officer Solly Hatlane, their mandate is to develop mixed density low cost houses.

Hatlane said Joshco will manage the units. However, he added that they'll be conducting workshops wherein they'll engage communities in an effort to inform them on rental structures. As well as what a lease agreement entails. “Joshco believes in integrity, accountability, responsibility and participation”, said Hatlane.

The Walter Sisulu housing project is managed by Joshco on behalf of Gauteng department of Housing and the City of Joburg . Joshco is a 100% council owned housing company and provides affordable and quality houses in the city of Joburg . This is done through provincial subsidies, grant as well as loan funding. The company caters for individuals earning a household income of between R1 500 to R7 500 per month.

The company, Joshco among other things, act as developers by appointing contractors as well as other experts in this field to build suitable social houses. The housing development forms part of the Kliptown's Square of Dedication , which was launched last year. It was 51 years ago at this very site that the Freedom charter was adopted.