MEDIA COVERAGE

Development takes off at scale in Durban

The site of Cornubia which will link up developed Umhlanga, the airport node and several poor communities. "eThekwini Municipality and Tongaat Hulett have started developing Cornubia, a 1 200 hectare project that will include 15 000 subsidised houses and create 120 000 new jobs. Recently identified as a Cabinet Lekgotla priority project, Cornubia will be KwaZuluNatal's first truly sustainable integrated human settlement. The multi-billion Rand mixed-use, mixed-income development will incorporate industrial, commercial, residential and open space. A key component is 15 000 BNG (subsidised) units, at higher densities than traditionally delivered. Public transport is also key and two bus rapid transport routes are planned. Over 120 000 new sustainable jobs will be created with more than 96 000 short term construction jobs. The proposed development will have a major impact on the rates base of the city over time bringing in millions for eThekwini Municipality. Cornubia aims to comprehensively address the housing and development needs of communities in informal settlements so that individual and household livelihoods are enhanced and that people are housed in affordable, and sustainable housing. The project commences with the understanding that informal settlements are more than a 'housing problem', but should rather be seen as a manifestation of economic and social structural imbalances, that must be addressed. The development of Cornubia is strategically important as: It presents an important opportunity to address apartheid planning by integrating the currently dispersed urban development in the region. It does so by contributing significantly towards the development of Durban's northern corridor, enhancing the development opportunities along the R102, and creating links to Umhlanga, Phoenix, Waterloo, Verulam and the DubeTradeport and the broader urban system extending to Pinetown, Bridge City, Inanda and KwaMashu. The area in which Cornubia is located is flagged in the Integrated Development Plan as a major economic investment node for new investment. Releasing land will meet the significant demand for welllocated industrial and commercial sites that has been generated by increased economic growth in the metropolitan economy. It will create substantial new job and employment opportunities, particularly for residents of Phoenix, Verulam and Waterloo where there are few work opportunities nearby as a consequence of apartheid planning. It addresses demand for affordable housing and integrated residential developments with access to employment opportunities, urban amenities and social facilities. The development will provide a benchmark for mixed-income, mixed use development in line with national government's housing policy, Breaking New Ground and contribute to the vision of being Africa's most liveable city. The first phase of the project will unlock both industrial and lower-income residential opportunities, with the release of 70 hectares of industrial land in 2013. eThekwini will also begin developing the first 2 500 BNG units to be rolled out over several years. Construction has begun on this first phase, with a roadover-rail bridge complete, and construction about to commence on the access road. The project also requires extensive bulk infrastructure. This will include three new interchanges, major upgrades to existing interchanges, a new reservoir, an upgrade to the wastewater treatment works, three new electrical substations, and major trunk sewers. Environmental authorisation is expected before the end of October 2011, with full planning approval expected by early in 2012. Cornubia will include 15 000 subsidy houses and well designed communal spaces.

Date Added: 15 Nov 2011 | Author: DELIVERY 01 Sep 2011 Page 25