Green mega city construction east of Pta is ongoing

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14-06-2023
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Pretoria Rekord
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Latitude: -25.8688768 Longitude: 28.3465459

Once completed, the "help me buy a house” project integrated with the Mooikloof Mega City is cited as being “the world’s largest sectional property development”, with land also earmarked for schools, shops and offices.

The so-called “green mega city” that will transform the east of Pretoria is still in the process of development. This was according to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). Dubbed Mooikloof Mega City, the development could potentially be South Africa’s largest sectional title development. It will be located off Garsfontein Drive near the Woodlands Boulevard Mall.

The development is the public-private partnership between developers Balwin Properties, the Gauteng government and the Tshwane metro. It will address the housing needs of people who earn too much to qualify for fully subsidised housing but do not enough to afford mortgage finance for a house in the area of their choice.

Government’s role is to create an enabling environment for economic activity and upgrade roads, sewers and water lines amongst others. The development will comprise the “help me buy a house” or finance-linked individual subsidy (FLISP) programme initiated by the Department of Human Settlements.

PROJECT TO ADDRESS HUMAN SETTLEMENT ISSUES

It was identified during the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDS) as one of the projects with the potential to address longstanding challenges in the human settlement sector. Once completed, the Mooikloof Mega City will consist of a residential component, two educational facilities and a commercial node. The “strategic integrated project” of around 50 000 apartments will cost about R44-billion to build.

SEWER, BULK WATER SUPPLY ALREADY UPGRADED

DPWI spokesperson Thami Mchunu said the government had already completed the upgrade of some sewer and bulk water supply lines. “The Hills sewer treatment works had been completed, while upgrades to five intersections on Garsfontein Drive and to the Impala Road were in progress. “Phase 1 of the upgrades to the eastern link sewer and the Delmas bulk water supply line to Rietfontein reservoir is in progress,” said Mchunu.

The connection of electricity cables to existing Eskom lines was also underway. “Phase 1 of the link to the existing Eskom line and link cables from Mooikloof to the Bashewa substation is in progress.” He said the metro had thus far completed construction to the boundary wall and gatehouse. “Mooikloof Mega City is a mega residential development targeting the construction of 50 000 residential units as well as amenities for inhabitants. About 40 apartments have been completed thus far, while another 40 are currently under construction,” he said.

The total project value is more than R84-billion and one of 62 strategic integrated projects (SIPs) that were gazetted in July 2020, which managed to unlock over R340-billion in private-sector investment in key economic sectors. “We are already seeing the brick-and-mortar results of this strategic infrastructure project is immensely encouraging, said Ramaphosa.

“This development has all the key features of spatial integration. It is located in one of the most sought-after addresses in the City of Tshwane, with some of the highest average house prices. It is a nodal development, giving residents and tenants easier access to vital transportation corridors. “The successful launch of Mooikloof further reinforces the appropriateness of the district development model.

“The collaboration of the three spheres of government has made the project possible.”

METRO FACILITATES ZONING, SERVICES

The City of Tshwane has since facilitated the approval of appropriate zoning. The provision of water, wastewater, and energy bulk infrastructure was also complete. Gauteng government was funding the expansion of the Garsfontein provincial road to accommodate the projected increase in vehicle traffic.

The national human settlements department, through its agency, the Housing Development Agency would make it possible for more low-income households to benefit from the development expected to be completed within seven years. Potential homeowners will also be able to apply for assistance from the government’s FLISP.

Balwin Properties had not yet commented ahead of publishing.