Housing project makes headway
10 000 housing units will bring about an influx of 50 000 people.
AMENDED plans for the Empangeni Mega IRDP Housing Project, formally known as Waterstone, were brought before the City of uMhlathuze Executive Committee last week.
The residential and commercial development in Empangeni, aimed at attracting middle class professionals, is set to increase the population of the town by 50 000 within a five-year period.
Mooted by the KZN Department of Human Settlements (KZNDHS) in conjunction with the City, the urban greenfield project entailing 10 000 housing units will be situated on Wilton Park Farm between Qalakabusha Prison and Dover Combined School, comprising 450 hectares.
Now, an amended layout which was presented to Council on 21 April, makes provision for a range of stakeholders with varying needs and income levels.
Preliminary estimates are that 30% of the units will be aimed at low income, 30% at Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP), 30% for affordable bonded housing and 20% social housing.
Land allocated for commercial use will be sold or developed, with hospitals, schooling and education facilities also being accommodated.
All project related costs will be borne by the KZNDHS with the exception of the installation of bulk services being the responsibility of the City.
The plans are now subject to Council approval, while reports on traffic and environmental impact are yet to be concluded.
