On Tuesday, April 16, amid a sense of anticipation and community spirit, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Anthea Leitch, proudly inaugurated the Ekhaya Gardens social housing project in the heart of Princess Plots, Roodepoort, within Region C. Social housing stands as a vital pillar of urban development, addressing the fundamental need for safe, affordable, and high-quality living spaces. Recognising this imperative, the City of Johannesburg, through its Johannesburg Housing Company (Joshco), endeavours to enrich the lives of residents by fostering sustainable communities. Ekhaya Gardens, the latest testament to this commitment, boasts 333 rental units, comprising both one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations, meticulously crafted to offer essential amenities for comfortable living. The completion of this development represents a total investment of R133,247,367, affirming Joshco’s dedication to providing accessible housing solutions for the city’s populace.
Thedi Moropa, the acting CEO of Joshco, reflected on the project’s journey, acknowledging the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which intermittently interrupted its progress.
Despite the hurdles, the Ekhaya Gardens development stands as a triumph, catering to diverse needs, including units designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Security remains paramount, with state-of-the-art measures such as biometric fingerprint access, CCTV surveillance, and electrified fencing ensuring the safety and peace of mind of residents around the clock.
During her address, Cllr Leitch expressed gratitude for the long-awaited milestone, noting the forthcoming key handover ceremony to five deserving beneficiaries, scheduled for the Wednesday, 17 April 2024, in the presence of the Mayor and the Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi.
The use of a QR code registration system has been instrumental in ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the allocation process, receiving an overwhelming response of 27,555 registrations for the 333 available units.
This staggering demand underscores the critical need for affordable rental accommodation, particularly among Johannesburg residents earning between R1,850 and R22,000 a month.
Situated in close to the Roodepoort CBD and various amenities, Ekhaya Gardens offers not just housing but a vibrant community hub, fostering connectivity and convenience for its residents.
The launch event witnessed enthusiastic participation from residents, particularly those from nearby informal settlements, underscoring the project’s relevance and impact in addressing housing challenges and fostering social cohesion.
As Ekhaya Gardens stands as a beacon of hope and progress, Cllr Leitch urged both the Joshco project team and future tenants to cherish and nurture this newfound home, embodying the collective effort towards a more inclusive and prosperous Johannesburg.
Written by Thembelihle Radebe
17/04/2024
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