Learn more about Human Settlements at Garden Route District Municipality

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Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has previously formally advised all our stakeholders and local communities that a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between GRDM and the Western Cape Government (WCG), had been concluded.

This step was a firm commitment by both parties and stakeholders to ensure that the delivery of sustainable housing projects/programmes would become a reality in well-located areas. This means, that the GRDM and WCG are committed to socio-economic integration.

GRDM has to date used the period from 2020 to 2023 to prepare and implement a new strategic housing plan and a linked Human Settlements Sector Plan which both were respectively approved by the following stakeholders:

  • GRDM Council in cooperation with the WC Department of Human Settlements,
  • the 7 B Municipalities (Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Kannaland, Hessequa, Knysna, George and Bitou)
  • various government agencies; and
  • our new social housing delivery partner, Own Haven Housing Association.

It is therefore important to note that we have begun the process together with these stakeholders and our development partner, Own Haven Housing Association, of looking at GRDM-driven social housing projects in two of our sites located in George and Mossel Bay. As soon as related current project feasibilities have been confirmed, there will be a further communication process to update stakeholders, targeted clients, and local communities about the related status.

In summary, therefore, we as the GRDM together with our development partners have begun in earnest, the process of rolling out targeted affordable housing programmes/projects in well located areas which will ease sustainability and integration.

Frequently Asked Questions (click on the crosses to view answers)

What is the meaning or intent of the MoA?

It is a high-level document between the GRDM and the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (WC DoI) to broadly demonstrate our respective intent to cooperate on several specific affordable housing programmes and projects.

When will the related projects be launched and completed?

GRDM and some of its B Municipalities have commenced with investigative work and feasibilities together with appointed Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) Accredited institution, Own Haven in the case of GRDM, Knysna and Mossel Bay. These affordable rental projects will be formally linked with successful beneficiaries after being formally advertised/marketed for occupation by successful prospects. Further, there are FlISP individual ownership schemes already completed in Mossel Bay and George which are currently being marketed for occupation.

The GRDM is making preparation to formally invite qualifying private property developers, corporations and landowners, etc., which are interested in partnering the district in enhanced development of similar projects.

How can I apply for same as a member of the public?

The qualification criteria will be linked to the specific project and be informed primarily by normal housing legislation guidelines and measurement criteria which will be announced or communicated by the GRDM at the appropriate time. Also, you may register your need in the meanwhile at your local municipality or on the Western Cape Government App for new registrations or to update their details that are available on both the iOS and Android platforms.

Will the projects be in the Garden Route, and if so, where?

As is well known, the jurisdictional authority of the GRDM covers the 7 Local Authorities of Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Hessequa, and Kannaland. Depending on project viability, these projects will be located in areas that are deemed to be viable for related implementation by appointed professional teams and contractor(s).

How do I become part of the of the creditworthiness rehabilitation process in preparedness / anticipation of the future projects?

This is a new program that has been introduced by the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements (WC DoHS) and is normally run in tandem with confirmed committed financed linked projects like Gap Housing and FLISP (Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Projects). These are in the main projects that promote individual ownership for low to medium income households who traditionally struggle to meet the standard banking criteria to obtain mortgage finance or bond to buy a unit within these schemes. It is therefore linked to the overall Consumer Education interventions promoted by the WC DoI and participating municipalities.

If potential beneficiaries who are listed in a formal database therefore which is linked to such planned or committed ownership projects are indebted and require rehabilitation, they will therefore be offered the opportunity to liaise with already appointed service by the WC DoI to offer such a service. This is also a Consumer Education service normally offered by the Provincial authority and linked municipalities. Participating Municipalities in the GRDM areas of jurisdiction must first have a defined finance-linked ownership project linked to a database of potential beneficiaries which will be key in determining those that require support to enhance their creditworthiness and ability to obtain a government guarantee with related bank finance to buy a targeted unit for ownership purposes.

When will the new housing projects come to fruition or be implemented?

Once the necessary project preparation and packaging have been done following the feasibility exercise to determine related viability, there will be a formal announcement and advertisement by the council to that effect.

Will affordability be part of your housing programmes and projects?

The priority focus for all GRDM and other Municipalities that constitute the District Municipality will be on low-income households with affordability as one of the key objectives.

What does it mean to rent through your planned social housing products?

Council intends to form formal partnership arrangements with accredited social housing institutions that will undertake related projects for targeted and qualifying affordable rental clients. These housing institutions will therefore develop and manage such rental assets exclusively for affordable rental purposes which will include undertaking the applicable beneficiation processes and customer relations requirements to those who have been successfully accorded the status of being successful tenants.

Is it better to choose to own or rent an affordable housing unit?

Such a choice will be left to the applicant to exercise as the intent is to provide choice since households have different needs and interests relative to affordable housing options.

Will we live next to better facilities and near to social and economic facilities?

Yes, indeed as related government policies and development programmes promote the need for long-term integration of communities in well-located areas with sufficient infrastructure and related services.