Activists have called out the City of Cape Town for delays in the development of affordable housing on the Green Point bowling green.

2 mins read

The Western Cape Bridge Union Club, which is located on the disputed Green Point Bowling Green, will also be rented.

The City has repeatedly said it plans to use the well-located bowling green as a site for affordable and mixed-income housing.

The non-profit organization said in a statement that the City was renting out the space for about R3000 a year for exclusive uses that offered no benefits to the wider Cape Town population or the City.

Ndifuna Ukwazi’s head of organising, Buhle Booi, argues that resistance to well-located and affordable housing is similar to a revenue opportunity.

“If the City follows through on its commitment and develops the site as planned, it will not only provide much-needed, well-located affordable housing, but also generate extra revenue in the form of rates. The City will improve its financial and environmental sustainability by expanding densification,” Booi said.

“The City is not only delaying the development of mixed income housing in Cape Town, but it’s also missing out on millions of rand every year in lost rates revenue because of the fiscal crisis created by Covid-19. Booi said,”

Booi says that if the City of Boise should follow through with its commitment, and provide a clear and implementably plan on how the site would be inclusively developed, it is a matter of urgency.

Attorney Jonty Cogger spoke about their upcoming lawsuit to fight the renewed lease.

It’s frustrating to think of land being used for public benefit while still not having affordable housing. From the context of our serious housing crisis, it’s as upsetting as ever that the city either renege on their promise or is just delaying their plan, once again, to create affordable and mixed-income housing on this site.

“The City spent a considerable amount of money developing plans for the site to be developed for mixed-use housing, and yet these plans have been gathering dust in a filing cabinet in the Civic Centre for several years now,” Cogger said.

Lisle Brown, spokesperson for the city, said that a part of the property had been set aside for mixed-use development, including affordable housing. It was part of the city’s Land Release for Affordable Housing Priority Programme.

The company has leased the building to a crèche, bowling and bridge club for three years with a six-month cancellation clause.

Initially, the lease looked like it would be renewed for another year. After the initial three-year term expired, council had to advertise its intention to renew the lease agreement. This is to ensure that they are complying with state regulations before moving forward on the mixed use development and affordable housing project.

“The comment/objection period closes on November 7, 2022. Public inputs will then be assessed by the Mayor’s Committee and the council. The community will be consulted during the public hearings process.”

The annual tariff of R3000 is based on the ‘social care’ rate charged to welfare, charitable, cultural and religious organizations that are performing community functions on leased property owned by the municipality.

“However, it is not correct that only the rental costs are due to lessees. They also cover the cost of maintenance for the building and property which can be costly for the city.”
Sentence rewriter

Brown said that the City would not have to choose between affordable housing or anything else. The City planned to do both on this property.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

An entire school in Cape Town was stolen brick-by-brick

Next Story

Cape Town is launching a new Highway Patrol Unit in order to improve road safety.

Latest from Blog

A Rousing Weekend of Sports in Cape Town

Get ready for an exciting weekend of sports in Cape Town! From rugby to football, the city’s iconic stadiums will be filled with action and adrenaline. The local government fully supports this thrilling atmosphere and encourages residents to rally behind their local teams, fostering a stronger sense of community and camaraderie through sports. Don’t miss out on the exciting games and get your tickets early, as they will not be sold at the stadiums.

The Transformation of Becott Road in Ottery: A Tale of Progress and Community Development

Becott Road in Ottery is getting an infrastructure upgrade that includes replacing over 425 meters of deteriorating water pipes at an estimated cost of R1.7 million. The project is part of the city’s effort to maintain its aging water distribution network and is expected to be completed by May 2024. The opentrench excavation method was selected for this project, and it has created job opportunities for local residents. The project signifies progress, commitment, and resilience of the city.

The Thriving Lower Silvermine Wetland: A Resolute Undertaking for Nature Conservation

The Lower Silvermine Wetland dredging project was a crucial initiative to preserve the ecosystem’s balance, reduce flood hazards, and create a safe breeding environment for threatened species. The project eliminated silt, invasive plants, and reeds overpowering the natural landscape while promoting the growth of native plant species. The LSW serves as a model for other city waterways, providing spaces for leisure activities while ensuring a safe habitat for various wildlife and enhancing overall environmental, physical, and mental health.

The Pursuit of Justice: Limpopo’s Anti-Smuggling Team Strikes Again

The AntiSmuggling team in Limpopo, South Africa, has been commended for their unwavering dedication and diligence. Their recent operation led to the arrest of two men, a stolen vehicle, and a highspeed chase. Led by Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the team’s concentrated efforts during highstakes operations have left a significant impact on law enforcement in the country. Their commitment and resolve serve as a testament to law enforcement agencies worldwide.

The Investec SA Women’s Open: South Africa’s Premier Women’s Golf Event

The Investec SA Women’s Open is South Africa’s premier women’s golf event held in Cape Town. It is a collaboration between the WPGA, the Sunshine Ladies Tour, and the city of Cape Town, promoting the development of female golfers and boosting sports tourism in South Africa. The event boasts significant growth in prize money and international participation, and is broadcasted globally to millions of golf enthusiasts. It is a celebration of women’s golf, a testament to partnerships, and a beacon of growth and advancement in the sport.