At the Forefront of Low-cost Housing Development
February 3, 2023

How GIC is at the Forefront of Low-cost Housing Development Solutions in South Africa

Low-cost housing development is imperative in improving the lives of South Africans in need, and GIC is passionate about changing lives in this way. Despite decades of government-subsidised housing delivery, impoverished, unserviced settlements are still a major issue within the country. Countless South Africans are burdened with duties and responsibilities they simply cannot afford. Gap infrastructure Corporation strives to step in where there is a need for dynamic solutions, enabling individuals, families, and whole communities to actualise their dreams with empowered dignity.

The Current State of Low-cost Housing Nationwide

As of 2022, South Africa’s population is around 60,6 million with positive population growth year-on-year. Not only has service delivery been a struggle for a significant portion of this population, but the consequences of improper housing have contributed to several social ills and challenges.

With their General Household Survey report for 2017, Statistics South Africa found that around 13,6% of South African households were living in RDP or state-subsidised dwellings. Many, however, are still living within informal settlements. There are several ways in which poor living conditions negatively impact communities in South Africa, including:

• Education attainment: Communities with poor service delivery hinder a child’s ability to learn and receive an education. Travelling to school or studying at home and doing homework all become increasingly difficult without transport, electricity, or a means to access nearby resources like libraries. A lack of proper education is a major challenge for which the South African government is currently prioritising solutions, and it starts with town planning and housing solutions in informal settlements.
• Social cohesiveness: While a sense of community is strong within many informal settlements, it becomes difficult to focus on improved social bonds when every household is fighting to survive. These daily strains and stressors could be contributing factors in higher levels of crime in and around these communities in need.
• Combating unemployment: Poor living conditions make earning a stable income incredibly difficult. Finding employment and daily transport is difficult and for many – almost impossible.
• Physical health: Poor housing conditions and a lack of clean drinking water and sanitation infrastructure can contribute to the spread of disease. Getting medical assistance is also difficult as no formal services exist nearby to offer communities help.
• Mental health: A lack of basic necessities such as healthy food and clean water does not just impact people physically, but mentally too. Under the strain of their daily fight for survival, a rise in mental health conditions and a state of hopelessness are to be expected.

Low-cost housing development is the first step towards formalising informal settlements and improving the outcomes of communities without hope. We at GIC follow an integrated development approach to develop and service communities.

How Gap Infrastructure Corporation Aims to Bridge the Gap

In the last five years alone, GIC has established thousands of full-title stands and undertaken a range of low-cost housing development projects. Our key specialisation is town planning and development of human settlements in keeping with the government’s mandate to improve the lives of all vulnerable and impoverished South Africans.

To learn more about our services, projects, and offerings, speak to us today.