A new inclusionary housing policy has been approved by council members of the City of Johannesburg. It’s a step forward in addressing spatial inequality and transformation in the city.
Old derelict CBD buildings are the focus for re-development into affordable housing solutions. Credit: IOL
The policy aims for derelict Joburg city buildings to be used for low-cost accommodation. It’s a step forward in addressing spatial inequality and transformation in the city and it will promote accommodation opportunities for low-to-middle income households.
Spatial inequality has been a major challenge for the affordable housing sector as there is very little land available in suitable areas for developments. Therefore, the re-development of these buildings which are really seen to be unsafe can be put to good use in assisting the housing backlog in a sustainable solution that sees people being housed close to economic opportunities.
Reuben Masango, the City’s MMC for Development Planning, said the gap between poor and rich is widening due to spatial inequality. People are struggling to get accommodation close to their jobs and the policy aims to guide development to enrich communities closer to job opportunities.
