Gauteng Department of Housing

Urban Renewal Programme involves revitalization of strategic urban localities through refurbishing of infrastructure, Local Economic Development projects and social integration. URP requires cooperation and partnerships of all three spheres of government as well as the private sector.

Typical projects undertaken through this programme include schools refurbishment, roads construction, backyard rental accommodation, skills and development centres for local communities. The department is currently implementing URP ptojects in Alexandra, Bekkersdal and Evaton.

In 2008/09 financial year,a plan to deliver 88 400 different housing units through the Mixed Housing Development, Eradication of Informal Settlements and Alternative Tenure, where 297 760 people are to benefit is in place.

Alexandra : There are 38 active projects of which work is happening with more focus on housing and infrastructure development and upgrade.

Bekkersdal: Key focus is to relocate the township whilst rehabilitating the existing infrastructure focusing on Bekkersdal City Business District (CBD) Precinct, Bekkersdal Multi-Purpose Community Centre (MPCC) Precinct, Bekkersdal Gateway Precinct and Bekkersdal Industrial Precinct.

Evaton Renewal Project: The department has designed a new approach that will focus on high impact development by prioritising infrastructure upgrade and development in a precinct fashion. For the following three years the project will focus on planning for land acquisition and restitution, housing, engineering bulk infrastructure (water and sanitation), roads and transport and local economic development (LED).

Major housing development projects within the province are implemented and on completion, it will cater for the different needs of people based on their choice and what is affordable.

In terms of Formalisation and Eradication of Informal Settlements, the Premier has alluded to the fact that 103 053 serviced sites are ready for construction of top structure and in this regard 35 000 housing units will be delivered in various areas across the province. In order to meet targets, the usage of alternative building technology will be upscaled to fast track delivery.

The private sector partnerships on infrastructure development have had visible impact on these projects. The involvement of Standard Bank in Evaton will result in major investment and improvement of infrastructure and ensure that people have access to economic opportunities.

Key Priority Programmes