The controversial Leeuwpoort housing development in Boksburg is said to be progressing satisfactory, despite disruptions brought by Covid-19, a few contractual disputes and the project running slightly behind schedule.
The project, launched in February 2017, is expected to deliver homes to over 20 000 families.
“Work on the project is progressing as planned by the developers, but work is slightly behind schedule as per the initial programme.
“The site establishment is complete and engineering works for the foundations have commenced,” said Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
Dlamini added that the projected completion period or date for the project remains the same (seven years from commencement).
Not long after construction works started, the project that aims to address the housing backlog in the metro was brought to a halt by a group called Business Forums and Military Veterans.
They demanded control over the project’s 30 per cent local empowerment spend.
The development was also initially met with strong objections by residents who were concerned about the impact the project had on the value of their properties, and they also accused the metro of openly disregarding certain construction regulations.
Scope of project
The Leeuwpoort project consists of three integrated residential development areas – in the north (Parkdene Extension Seven and Reiger Park Ext 19) and the south, close to Sunward Park. It’s made up of subsidised, social, Flisp, bonded and commercial housing opportunities.
The metro told the Advertiser the projected cost is R2.9-billion over the projected seven years construction period.
Also Read: Business forum ‘captures’ Leeuwpoort housing development
