SA Affordable Housing July - August 2019 // Issue: 77 | Page 25

FEATURE: TOWN PLANNING
Other approvals include Environmental Impact Analysis and approval by GDARD,
called record of decision (ROD); geotechnical investigation report; engineering
reports which include electricity, water, sanitation, roads and storm water; general
surveying plan and topographical survey.
“Upon receiving and assessing all the above then the Rand West City Local
Municipality will approve the township,” he says.
MOVING ON SITE
Sam Mhlaba, CEO of Montrose City
Mega Development.
Jean-Luc Limacher, director of town
and regional planning consultants
Urban Dynamics.
“Once a township is approved the developer enters into an engineering service
level agreement, then engineering design takes are submitted to council for
approval. Once approved a project is enrolled at the department of labour and then
works can commence,” says Mhlaba.
He notes that the appointment of professionals is based on a number of factors,
including the track record of the specific professional; the relationship between the
developer and the professional in other similar projects implemented; the financial
proposal by the specific professional to the developer; the financial capacity of the
specific professional; the technical capacity of the specific professional; and
sometimes the empowerment or mentorship of a specific professional.
“The construction site is handed over to the appointed contractor, which
commences work under the watchful eye of the resident engineer who ensures that
the contractor is building what has been approved by the Rand West City Local
Municipality. Upon completion, testing and approval of the engineering services
installed by the contractor, then the Rand West City Local Municipality will accept
such engineering services. Upon approval of the engineering services which is
signed off by the Rand West City Local Municipality, the construction of top
structures / buildings can commence and includes low cost housing, government
subsidies, bonded units and retail,” says Mhlaba.
Limacher concludes, “At the end of the day, these procedures are there to protect
future purchasers and ensure that a safe environment is created where people can
live and work.”