Furore over new city housing plan Ray Mahlaka ‘Why should it be the right of only the wealthy to live close to work?’ asked Balwin chief executive Stephen Brookes. The so-called “adopted housing” policy announced by the City of Joburg last week has garnered mixed reaction from private property developers. The policy envisages the rich and poor living side by side in some of the city’s exclusive residential developments.
The SA Property Owners Association said it is “disturbed” by the “onerous policy”. “The city, even though we submitted extensive comments after undertaking best-practice international research on this matter, ignored most of the private sector view,” Sapoa chief executive Neil Gopal told Moneyweb. Balwin Properties has welcomed the housing policy. “Why should it be the right of only the wealthy to live close to work?” asked Balwin chief executive Stephen Brookes.