By Barend Greyling

Ekurhuleni Human Settlements and private developer Greenfields Gardens have come together to provide serviced stands for first-time homeowners.

Transforming large amounts of land into a construction site for the benefit of our citizens makes the result so much more satisfying. Palm Ridge Housing Project aims to do just that; it is situated on the southern part of Ekurhuleni that neighbours townships Thokoza and Katlehong.

Greenfields Gardens appointed a professional project team to oversee all aspects of the development. Numerous municipal housing projects have failed in the past and contributed to over expenditure and the housing backlog because of multiple reasons, including the failure to install proper surrounding infrastructure. Private developers on the other hand have proved that it is possible to install services of a high standard on time and within budget.

Professional team

  • Aeterno Town Planning
  • Intraconsult Engineering Geologist Consultants
  • Infraconsult Civil Engineering Consultants
  • ELR Electrical Engineering Consultants
  • W and L Environmental Consultants
  • MP Health and Safety

A leader in the private development sector recently concluded a contract with City of Ekurhuleni to provide 7 000+ fully serviced stands that will be handed over to City of Ekurhuleni Human Settlements for their land acquisition project. These stands are fully serviced and have all essential services installed. Working closely with the City of Ekurhuleni, the project is one of the biggest of its kind and is paving the way forward for future housing schemes.

One of the biggest challenges to the National Housing Ministries is to provide housing for those seeking decent living standards. This mega project will provide standard services for the selected beneficiaries to alleviate the demand for land acquisition. This project will serve 7 000 households’ basic needs; some of which who will experience home ownership and proper services for the first time.

Palm Ridge is situated on the southern outskirts of Ekurhuleni, with major developments in and around the mega project confirming the high demand for housing in the area. Due to the easy accessibility of the township to all major transport nodes it will contribute to the social economic factor, which is one of the most important aspects to consider when developing new townships. It is not always possible for governmental, provincial or municipal entities to acquire land that is acceptable for development, which is close enough to all major business infrastructures.

A win-win situation

After all, this project should be sustainable and generate a basic income for those who will be part of the completed product. In addition to the residents, the local municipality will also benefit by generating a substantial amount of revenue through services supplied, which would not have been received through the informal settlements these beneficiaries originate from. The possibilities are endless, situated in one of the strongest economical hubs in Africa, mega projects such as this enrich and lift people out of poverty and uplift their spirits to be an essential part of their community contributing to the economic growth of the area.

The total Palm Ridge Land Acquisition Project will eventually consist of 7 000 plus serviced stands within a three-year period. Construction on site is in full swing, delivering 200 stands a month and generating more than 700 job opportunities. Engineers, contractors and sub-contractors are working around the clock to fulfil with the needs of the clients. Beneficiaries of the final product will at last own property with all the essential services, which is part of their basic human rights.

Greenfields Gardens work closely with the City of Ekurhuleni Human Settlements and shook hands as partners to fulfil thousands of dreams.

Photo credit: SAARDA