Majority of CBD social housing project applications declined
"They were rejected because of poor credit scores.”
Only about 800 out of 6 000 applications for social housing at the Marabastad Townlands project were accepted, according to the Tshwane metro.
“The rest were all rejected because of poor credit scores,” said human settlements MMC Abel Tau.
The metro was, however, still busy vetting applications for the project which was aimed at middle and lower-income people in the area.
According to Tau, the Housing Company Tshwane (HCT), a housing entity of the metro, had received a high volume of enquiries regarding the housing project after applications opened in September last year.
Tau said the 800 or so applicants were pre-approved based on their credit records and affordability scores, which were calculated on income versus expenses.
One of the criteria for a successful application is to earn between R1 500 and R15 000 per month.
Tau said the pre-approved group was invited to an information session in December 2021.
“The next step would be to invite pre-approved applicants to complete a formal application process in which they will have to provide all the necessary documents that were not produced during the pre-screening application process.”
He said SMSes would be sent to the pre-approved group informing them of the dates, times and venues for the administration of the formal applications.
“Applicants are urged to stick to their scheduled dates and times to avoid unnecessary delays.”
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Tau said the Marabastad Townlands project was considered to be one of the country’s biggest social housing ventures.
The multi-million rand social housing project consists of 1 200 mixed units. It is set to benefit Tshwane residents who do not qualify for government-sponsored housing nor earn enough to qualify for home loans.
The Tshwane metro apologised for any delays in the application process.
Tau said the delays were largely due to previous strict Covid-19 regulations and some faults on the metro’s online systems.
“However, we would like to reassure applicants that they will soon receive feedback.
He said the Tshwane metro remained committed to delivering quality and dignified low-cost government housing to qualifying residents.
The Marabastad Townlands project is set to be completed in two phases, with Phase 2 consisting of 509 units.
The rental project has cost the metro R508-million and is set to bring a community close to the workplace within the CBD.
The amenities at the building are set to include a children’s playground, sporting facilities, community hall and tuck shop.
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