SAARDA
Wow , did we get that wrong !
By Michael Hartman – Founder member of South African Affordable Residential Developers Association ( SAARDA )
As we move into the second quarter of 2021 , we look back and reflect over the past year . It was one year ago when we were in hard lockdown for an expected 21 days , whereafter we were going back to normal , albeit a ‘ new normal ’, where the world was a lot cleaner . Wow , did we get that wrong !
Although Covid brought several challenges , changes , and disruptions , a few positives emerged out of Covid-19 . The need for housing and de-densification came under the spotlight . Buyers evaluated their own homes and needs in a new virtual society . Lower interest rates to stimulate the economy made it more affordable to own your own home rather than renting . Government announced ( much-needed ) infrastructure spending as a catalyst to get the economy up and going .
This also led to the establishment of Construction Alliance of South Africa ( CASA ). SAARDA is proud to be a founding member and serve on the strategic committee . It also opened the doors for Government and the Private sector to constructively engage to work together to find solutions to promote the delivery of much-needed housing .
We engaged with Government on various levels to deal with the issues in the deeds office , rates clearance delays and other . We are currently compiling a study into the costs of delivering a res1 erf to get a clear understanding of the challenge and cost of delivery of Housing , and in particular the Rapid Land Release initiative of the Gauteng local government .
We engaged with the MEC of Gauteng Human Settlements to discuss and find solutions on how SAARDA and the Government can work together to unlock planned and approved developments that are on hold due to lack of infrastructure . During a quick survey of a couple of our members , it became clear that more than 150 000 erven / units are being delayed due to bulk infrastructure shortages . That equated to approximately R75- billion worth of private investment in the Gauteng economy . This figure can easily double if we do an intensive survey among our members .
Both SAARDA and Human Settlements
Michael Hartman , property developer and chairman of the South African Affordable Residential Developers Association ( SAARDA ).
reads that the private investment is not only important to deliver much-needed housing , but will have a huge impact on the socio-economic upliftment of Gauteng .
Spending the money on the right infrastructure upgrades in Gauteng will also assist government to deliver services erven as part of the Rapid Land Release initiative in Gauteng .
“ Covid also created the opportunity for the private sector to start working together to collectively promote and advance the housing and construction industry .”
M HARTMAN
Register to receive your digital copy of SA Affordable Housing , visit the website . www . saaffordablehousing . co . za
28 MAY - JUNE 2021 SAAffordHousing saaffordablehousingmag SA Affordable Housing www . saaffordablehousing . co . za