Affordable Housing

Reference is made on a WhatsApp group to planning by Swartland Municipality (SM) for low cost housing near Build-It. The writer confuses terminology for whatever reason. SM refers to “Affordable Housing” on a map illustrating various areas demarcated for future development.

The map is included in the draft Spatial Development Framework. There is a significant difference between affordable housing and low cost housing.

Low cost housing, also called RDP housing is provided to families with a monthly income not exceeding R3500. Affordable housing refers to housing that is more affordable than the majority of homes in Yzerfontein. It includes higher density housing and most likely smaller homes and apartments.

It is government policy that higher density housing should be applied which has already resulted in double homes on the same erf in the town.

Misleading and flawed statements leads to unnecessary concern and anxiety amongst residents.