One of the HDA’s major functions is to assist provincial and local authorities to acquire land. Since 2010, the HDA has been working in the Free State Province to fast track the release of land for human settlement development.
In February this year, the HDA acquired 192 hectares of well-located land in Harrismith for transfer to the Maluti-A-Phofung municipality. This was achieved in collaboration with the municipality and the Free State Department of Human Settlements.
The property is earmarked for a mixed development to accommodate various housing programmes. At a density of 30 units per hectare (approximately 300m2), the property has the potential to yield approximately 4500 housing units to address the housing backlog in Harrismith and surrounding areas.
The property will also accommodate the Intabazwe informal settlement, which is located in close proximity to it.
This acquisition is particularly significant as the property is located within a strategic integrated project (SIP 2 – a Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistics and industrial hub, which includes the development of Harrismith as logistics hub).
“This is very good news,” the Phofung municipality commented. “We are particularly happy for the people of Intabazwe, who fought so hard to keep this portion for the benefit of the entire community. It is encouraging indeed to begin a year on such a high note. Thank you, and thanks to the whole HDA team for the overwhelming support you continue to give us.”
