In an effort to improve the quality of low cost houses built by government, new enhancements to the current low cost housing in the province will be implemented from the 1st of April 2014. The enhancements are intended to improve the quality of houses built for poor people with no income or earning less than R3 500.00 month.

The Norms and Standards for the minimum size 40 square metre house, to be delivered to qualifying beneficiaries earning R0 to R3 500 per month, have been adjusted by the addition of the following measures to improve the thermal performance of the dwellings:

The installation of a ceiling with the prescribed air gap for the entire dwelling;

The installation of above-ceiling insulation comprising a 30mm mineral fibreglass blanket for the entire house:

Plastering of all internal walls;

Rendering on external walls:

Smaller size windows: and

Special low E clear and E opaque safety glass for all window types as prescribed;

Houses built will now be handed with a standard basic electrical installation comprising a pre-paid meter with a distribution board and lights and plugs to all living areas of the house.

The total cost of the new dwelling increase from R64 000 to R110 947.00 will apply to all houses built by government from the 1st of April 2014.

The enhancements are part of government efforts to improve the quality of houses, promote decent living and build houses of same standard and quality which will improve quality of household life.

SOURCE: South African Official News