First introduced in 2011 by the Concrete Manufacturers Association NPC ( CMA ), the CMA House is an initiative which , if adopted by the construction industry , will improve the quality and building productivity of government subsidy housing dramatically . As with any successful venture the devil is in the detail and the CMA House is no exception .
ASSOCIATIONS
A CMA House under construction .
The CMA house - better building practice for subsidised housing
First introduced in 2011 by the Concrete Manufacturers Association NPC ( CMA ), the CMA House is an initiative which , if adopted by the construction industry , will improve the quality and building productivity of government subsidy housing dramatically . As with any successful venture the devil is in the detail and the CMA House is no exception .
By CMA
As of May 2016 , South Africa ’ s post-1994 government had delivered more than 4.3 million housing and subsidies , benefitting more than 20 million South Africans . The Department of Human Settlements ( DHS ) is committed to the National Development Plan ’ s 2030 vision of transforming human settlements and the spatial economy to create more functionally integrated , balanced and vibrant urban settlements .
The DHS ’ s goal is to deliver more than 1.5 million housing opportunities by 2019 as set out in the 2014 to 2019 Medium Term Strategic Framework . It also seeks to ensure , among other things that poor households have access to adequate housing in better living environments .
It is unfortunate but true that very little of the billions invested in subsidised housing is allocated to design and detailing . Maximum profit , rather than delivery excellence appears to be the main motivation in many of subsidised projects . Minimum standards are often ignored and materials are sourced strictly on price .
The results are inevitable ; poorly constructed houses which either have to be rebuilt or repaired at considerable expense .
The CMA has always held that shoddy construction practice is inexcusable and easily avoidable .
“ Low-cost should not equate to low quality ,” says CMA director Frans Minnaar , “ and the funds allocated to subsidy housing are certainly sufficient to build to minimum standards and better .
See more on page 12 .
10
MARCH - APRIL 2017
AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING