EDITOR ’ S COLUMN
Securing the future
Transformation is a word that affects every industry in some way or other . For the affordable housing sector transformation is applied through changing peoples ’ lives by creating opportunities for them to have access to an affordable lifestyle , not just a place to call home .
Some topical issues addressed in this transformation process include the spatial planning debacle of securing land that can be developed that is in , or near to , the city where opportunities can be sought out . Innovations also play an important role in cost cutting and the drive to build with sustainable materials . In the innovation space there is a lot of activity not only with new product development but upgrading or combining old methods with available new technology , to open the scope of choice for developments and retrofit projects such as building conversions .
There are also new building techniques that make solving the housing backlog more efficient like prefabricated bathroom solutions and light steel frame construction , various plastics and of course timber , which can be incorporated in construction or as a holistic solution with complete units that fit into the affordable bracket . The next challenge of transformation is of course meeting the demand , and the questions of government versus private versus PPPs as solutions to meet the task of about two million houses required for the current backlog ; not to mention the many processes to be followed that also take up time and resources .
There are many solutions and resources that can assist in securing the future for all of those who fit into the gap market and by working together , streamlining processes and utilising new technology and techniques this industry can really be fast tracked .
In this issue we continue looking at bad buildings on page 28 and we consider alternative building materials on page 16 . For our projects this month we feature The Gayles in Evander , Mpumalanga on page 32 . Roy Mnisi , executive director of The Master Builders Association is this month ’ s personality profile . The option of innovation for housing finance in our thought leadership article is featured on page 36 .
As always , your feedback and comments are important to us – send us your compliments , complaints or suggestions to : Benjamin @ interactmedia . co . za .
Enjoy another super edition of SA Affordable Housing and don ’ t forget to log onto our website for daily industry updates , news and features at : www . buildingafrica . co . za .
Benjamin Brits Managing editor
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