Council has identified 72 plots bordering the Glencoe by-pass as a new area for middle-income housing.
Anthon Raubenheimer, ward two Councillor, reported at a ward two committee meeting, that the land – which is owned by the municipality – is ideal for those who earn over the threshold limit to qualify for a RDP house but cannot afford to buy a house of over R700 000.
While the costs to the municipality to put in services (such as storm water drainage, electricity etc.) are too exorbitant for the municipality, Council intends to put the land out on tender.
“The idea being for a developer to move in, buy the land on tender which will have attached the necessary conditions (a time line by which development must take place being one such condition) and sell to individuals. This will be a great income generator for the municipality.”

“To spend that much on S and T in six months was astounding considering we did have measures (to cut costs) in place. Nevertheless, more steps are in place to cut costs in the 2016/17 budget.

Mr Raubenheimer said while Council had put in place to curb subsistence and travelling expenses (in line with a call by Finance Minister Gordhan to all Government Departments) the S and T budget (related to expenses of travelling to out of town conferences and overnight accommodation) of almost R960 000 was depleted by December.
“To spend that much on S and T in six months was astounding considering we did have measures (to cut costs) in place. Nevertheless, more steps are in place to cut costs in the 2016/17 budget.
Measures include the sharing of transport for officials and/or Councillors going to out of town meetings should these meetings be deemed vital.
“Cutting costs is one thing but new revenue generators is another. New housing developments such as in Glencoe and the 24 plots in Craigieburn that we have also identified are also ways we can boost the municipal coffers.”