CAPE TOWN-The public is encouraged to attend an information day about a neighbourhood plan which will reshape Masiphumelele and the surrounding areas.
The information day about the draft Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for Masiphumelele and the surrounding areas in the Far South is tomorrow (10 September).
The City says this event is an ideal opportunity to ask questions and get clarity on what the LSDF is proposing for the area. It will take place from 15:00 to 19:00 at the Living Hope Hall, No 7 Kommetjie Road.
“The LSDF proposes a development vision and framework to manage urban growth in a sustainable manner, taking into account current challenges such as the encroachment of the wetlands area; the dire need for housing opportunities and improved access routes; the lack of public open spaces and recreation areas; facilities provision, and local economic opportunities for residents,” said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and the environment, Eddie Andrews.
The LSDF takes into account the unique qualities and challenges of Masiphumelele such as its location and future growth, local opportunities for economic development, and the need for formalising informal settlement areas that are currently located within the wetlands area, amongst others. The relocation of informal settlements out of high risk areas, and construction of a new road to improve access from Masiphumelele are key to the draft LSDF, including identifying possible land parcels in the area to support a range of housing opportunities.
“The draft spatial vision for the Masiphumelele area pursues a neighbourhood that is well integrated with the surrounding area so that residents can have easy access to jobs and other opportunities, have more choices when it comes to residential opportunities, and for Masiphumelele to contribute to the local economy. It is a broad vision, and must be sufficiently flexible to adapt to changing circumstances and needs,” said Andrews.
The main objectives of the draft LSDF are as follows:
. To provide a development vision to guide and manage urban growth, and broaden the choice of residential opportunities.
. To improve residents’ general living conditions
. To balance competing land use demands, and to implement a sustainable development path.
. To spatially integrate Masiphumelele with the surrounding areas through improved access routes, and walking and cycle lanes.
. To improve residents’ access to employment, local facilities and essential services.
The draft LSDF identifies a number of challenges in Masiphumelele and seeks to address these: severe overcrowding, high densities, and a growing backlog in social facilities and services provision. The estimated future housing need, for example, equates to over 10 000 units.
. The limited public and private land available for development – the City owns about 25% of the land, most of which is wetlands, parks, or intended for schools.
The high risk of fire given the density and informal structures; and given the encroachment of the wetlands area many structures are flood-prone.
. Informal settlements encroaching on the wetlands, and the subsequent solid waste and waste water pollution.
The location of the informal settlement is a major obstacle to a much needed alternative road and access to Masiphumelele with the planned extension of Houmoed Avenue.
High unemployment
. Congestion, and limited access into and out of the area.
. Limited provision for informal economic sector activities.
. Limited public transport services with households spending up to a third of their monthly income on commuting.
“The LSDF proposes an integrated approach to improve residents’ overall living conditions, including identified land parcels within and around Masiphumelele for housing opportunities. The LSDF also aims to support residents’ broader social and economic development needs, access to essential services, and integration with the surrounding suburbs through new road links, and pedestrian facilities. Importantly, there is a strong focus on improving the environmental conditions of the natural ecosystems such as the wetlands adjacent to Masiphumelele, and how this natural environment can enhance the quality of life and contribute to economic development,” said Andrews.
. The draft LSDF for Masiphumelele and surrounding areas is available on the City’s website at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay. The closing date for comments is Tuesday 21 October.
