Spatial Planning: The City of Johannesburg takes a cautious step towards inclusionary housing By Nkateko Mabasa and Ayanda Mthetwa
A new policy compels private developers to set aside 30% of housing units for low-income households when building developments of more than 20 residences, regardless of where they are in the city, according to Reuben Masango, member of the mayoral committee for development planning in the City of Johannesburg.
Furthermore, the policy also allows for “proportional bonuses” in development controls, reductions in parking requirements and bulk infrastructure contributions as well as rates rebates for inclusionary units as incentives to developers. According to Maanda Makwarela senior researcher at the Socio-Economic Rights Institute, the policy is a “progressive and proactive step” in “engaging developers to provide affordable and decent housing”.
As a result, the policy misses poor and low-income households, but caters for low-middle income earners. Furthermore, when adding the utility bills to the rent, the burden becomes heavy for those earning R7,000 a month. The property owners association believes the policy requirement may negatively affect residential development in the city as it may scare off developers with high risk and low-profit margins.The potential social challenges remain unaddressed, including the possibility of isolating low-income households and the existence of negative preconceptions regarding the nature of inclusionary housing, possibly hampering its implementation,” said Sapoa.
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