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9. Toward Greater Integration of Public Policy
Hall, initiated the elaboration of precinct plans for approximately twenty “challenged”
zones in Johannesburg. Two types of zones are primarily studied: future urban hubs
due to the arrival of public transit, and disadvantaged zones. These precinct plans are
very detailed and make it possible to amend the current planning scheme (zoning) rapidly.
In addition, these documents then apply to all other sectoral departments
(transportation, housing, the environment, economic development). In theory, the
precinct plans are elaborated jointly with the other municipal departments. However,
the various departments’ differing priorities and capability problems sometimes
complicate coordination. Despite these difficulties, this initiative reveals coordination
between a transportation policy and settlement development with social objectives.
9.3.5. Municipal Initiatives Managed and Financially Balanced by Private
Promoters
Several consequential public-private partnerships have recently emerged in the
field of urban development. In Johannesburg, Cosmo City is a pilot project under
Breaking New Ground and has received considerable media attention.
“Cosmo City is the first fully integrated housing development in South Africa,
providing housing for the full economic spectrum group in the same human settlement.”
Basil Read Developments Advertisement
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It is a partnership between the city of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, and several
private promoters including Basil Read Developments. The land was acquired by the
government and then entrusted as a whole to the private sector to develop a mostly
residential project for different categories of households. The aim was to re-house two
informal settlements located near Cosmo City, Zevenfontein and Riverbend. Thus, one
project is building the various forms of housing offered by the government: BNG
houses, credit-linked houses, bonded houses and social housing.
All the types of housing are represented but they are grouped by category and the
various blocks are separated by roads and green spaces. Combining the various types
of housing and seeing project management be carried throughout the territory and
duration of the project by one private actor is a noteworthy innovation in how spaces
are created for low-income populations. In this way, the promoter can generate cross-
Integrating Poor Populations in South African Cities © AFD 2009