The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) master spatial plan (MSP) for human settlements development process was finalised in March 2016.
The process, led by the HDA, involved a thorough various consultations with sector officials and practitioners to create a coherent and inclusive MSP approach, tailored for the province.
The plan is set to become the underpinning design for all human settlements in the region.
In finalising the process, two open sessions were held with sector role players. The first open-house session, held on 23 February 2016 and the second one was held on 18 March 2016. Both sessions enjoyed the support and participation of more than 100 delegates from eThekwini Municipality, the Department of Transport, KZN Wildlife, the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Eskom, Mike Khan Consultancy, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Tongaat Hulett Developments, Umgeni Water, Mabune Consulting, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements, and other local planners and entities.
The highlights of the MSP have noted the institutional and structural deficiencies in the current form in which human settlement projects are planned and implemented in the Province. The MSP has identified Key Focus Areas for prioritised investment based on housing needs and demands; also the population and infrastructure capacity of those areas. These areas were identified using the Sensitivity Analysis criteria through geospatial information analysis.
The MSP further proposes a model for land identification and prioritisation. It has provided a horizon for land needs in each of the identified Focus Areas to the year 2030.
The final MSP was submitted to the KZN Department of Human Settlements for adoption. It will further be submitted to the KZN Cabinet for alignment with provincial growth strategy and it will soon be published on the HDA website (www.thehda.co.za).
“This is the first provincial MSP to be completed. The HDA, and particularly the KZN regional office, is honoured and excited to lead this initiative, as it helps to profile our organisation while expanding our footprint,” said KwaZulu-Natal office Programme Manager, Thulani Bhengu. “we are planning a number of advocacy interventions including two workshops in order to sustain the relevance of the MSP to all stakeholders “
