Sod Turned for New Housing Development

Executive Mayor Cllr Mzwandile Masina officiated the sod turning of the new housing development project earmarked for Thembisa Extension 25.

This mega project is set to create well-designed, sustainable and integrated human settlements that will enhance the value of property ownership for its residents, and upgrade and integrate the urban environment.

The site covers over 58ha and will yield 3 510 housing units, of which 3 159 are RDP walk-ups and the remaining 351 are social housing units. The units are to be built as four storey walk-ups.

Construction of bulk services were done by June 2019, and included the construction of water and sewer reticulation, storm water and electrical infrastructure and road networks.

The first phase of the top structures consists of 500 units to be built as four storey walk-ups, using alternative building technology (ABT) that will help accelerate the delivery of the units. Houses built using this technology are 10% – 20% more economical than conventional methods, but still deliver on quality. In addition it is more environmentally friendly.

Two ABT contractors have been appointed for the construction of the first phase of 500 units, and the site was handed over to them earlier this month. The remaining units and bulk link on the project are scheduled to be implemented in phases, and construction is set to spread over several financial years ending in 2024.

Over 180 new jobs will be created the first phase of the top structures and a minimum of 100 people will be trained and up-skilled during the construction process. The main beneficiaries of the Thembisa Extension 25 project are Winnie Mandela informal settlement residents, Winnie Mandela community with Court interdicts, Winnie Mandela residents with 2-in-1 stands – 2 households sharing one stand.

“This was not only a sod turning event, it was an event that marks a turning point for the WinnieMandela community to finally have a dignified place to call home,” said Mayor Masina.