SA Affordable Housing July / August 2017 // Issue: 65 | Page 29

FEATURES
Safety and security in the
affordable housing sector
Safety and security continues to be a huge concern for many people. With
crime rates on the rise, it is a top priority when it comes to people’s homes.
By Ntsako Khosa
A biometric system is one of the ways to ensure security in a
residential complex. Image: Agam Tec
W
hen building or renovating a development, the
safety and security of those on site and those who
will occupy the premises should be catered for
during conception.
Craig McMurray, CEO and founder of Respublica, says,
“Safety and security is critical throughout the building
process, from the initial stages of site establishment all the
way through to beneficial occupation and the opening of
the residential building.”
Property Developer Realgrowth echoes the same
sentiment stating, ‘A key element included in the building
plan is the design of the gate house and how the access
control into the development is to be controlled.’
From the past few years, many housing developments
are high rises and are situated in gated estates with
essential amenities, like schools, a laundromat and a shop
that sells daily essentials. This kind of estate provides a
‘lock up and go’ convenience for residents as many of them
have 24-hour security and surveillance cameras.
“When a building, home or business is safe and secure it
makes the lives of the people using the facility more
enjoyable. The occupants can feel safe and secure any time
of the day,” says Janell Uys of Roslé Boerdery.
Developers have seen how this makes sense for middle-
income earners and now provide this. ‘The high density of
affordable housing assists with the financial viability of
installing good systems and we foresee that the quality of
security for these lower income markets too improve along
Having adequate security throughout the developing process is
essential. Image: Secure Site UK
with the rest of the market, ‘ according to property
developer Realgrowth Properties.
BALANCING SAFETY OF WORKERS
AND TENANTS
Live Easy co-founder, Jeffery Froom, says that developing
from scratch is an opportunity to provide the best security.
“You’re l ucky because your design can be pre-programmed
for security.”
“From our own experience, there are significant benefits
from working closely with the contractor in ensuring a safe
and secure environment throughout the building process,”
says McMurray. It is no secret that construction sites face a
real problem of theft; McMurray suggests a robust worker
identification and registration process to prevent
unauthorised entry.
Most residential sites allow tenants to move in during
construction and this can make things tricky. “Phased
occupation of buildings becomes complex, ensuring the
safety and security of your tenants while the construction
process is still ongoing is essential. In our experience,
allowing for additional security systems, processes and
security guards during this sensitive period is important
because you can suffer significant reputational harm and
potential loss should you not manage the safety and
security of your tenants during this period,”
says McMurray.
AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING
JULY - AUGUST 2017
27