Hull Street housing project nears completion, first 100 units to be handed over by August

THE keys to the first 100 units at the Hull Street housing project in De Beers are expected to be handed over by August this year. 

During a recent visit to the site, the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Tandi Mahambehlala, highlighted how the shortage of land was hampering the provision of houses.  

“We are happy with the progress, given all the challenges that were encountered with this project. The project is promising, and the houses are beautiful. We hope that the first batch of tenants will move in by the end of July or the beginning of August. Looking at the time frame, the project is close to nearing completion.” 

She added that housing backlogs throughout the country were due to a shortage of land. 

“Now that the Land Expropriation Act has been signed into law by the President, we want to utilise this opportunity to expropriate land so that we can provide decent housing to South Africans.” 

The MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Bentley Vass, said the R160 million project would provide rentals for 372 tenants. 

“We will make sure that the right people qualify. Tenants will not be allowed to build shacks at this beautiful development. We are working around the clock to reach completion.”  

He stated that construction resumed operations in January following the appointment of the latest contractor, Bigen Africa. 

Vass explained that Amandla Construction left the site last year due to “business reasons”.

The department previously indicated that Moago Constructions would commence work on the site in December 2024.  The project started in 2022. 

Vass added that the drainage problems had been solved, whereby the soil previously became flooded during heavy rains. 

"The Hull Street Social Housing Project has directly created employment for over 200 local labourers and engaged 15 subcontractors. This commitment to job creation extends to empowering women within the industry and providing invaluable practical experience to students fresh from their academic studies, nurturing the next generation of construction professionals."

Vass added that a geotechnical investigation and traffic impact assessment were completed on the Roodepan Land Parcel that was acquired by the Northern Cape Provincial Government for a housing development.

“Thus far, bulk services availability for the portion of land is confirmed. We will set up the site for work to commence as soon as possible, while we wait for all legislative requirements to be completed," he said.