Hostel Redevelopment
The Alexandra Renewal Project has had to respond to the stark reality
of several vast, over-crowded and poorly maintained single sex hostel
complexes.
In aerial images of the Alexandra area these huge, brutal
structures stand out in contrast to the fine-grained texture of the
dense pattern of houses and shacks. Not only are the hostels in dire
need of physical overhaul, they are tainted by association with the
notorious migrant labour system of the apartheid years.
In line with the democratic state’s policy for hostels, the ARP is
creating social housing, a term used in South Africa to denote family
rental accommodation run by housing institutions. In addition,
however, the ARP has recognized the needs of some hostel dwellers for
smaller accommodation units for single or two-person households. A
series of one-room apartments have therefore been created, each with
their own ablution facilities and free individual access.
By August 2008, several blocks of the M2 Hostel had been converted
into 98 social housing units and 286 affordable rental units.
On Sunday 5th August 2008, the ARP presented detailed plans for the
third phase of the redevelopment of the M2 hostel to the local
community. The third phase will consist of 1042 family units including
3 new blocks and a nursery school. ARP Community Liaison Officers (CLO's)
presented a slide show of the development and were on hand to answer
any questions from the community. The event was well attended by the
M2 residents, with dancing troupes providing entertainment for the
crowds after the presentation.
Presentation on Phase 3 of the M2 Hostel
Redevelopment
Community event to introduce Phase 3
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