83,000 New Homes Planned in Gauteng’s Grand Central Housing Project

The City of Johannesburg has announced plans for a large-scale housing project that could change the landscape of Midrand, with Mayor Dada Morero promising 83,000 new housing opportunities in one of Gauteng’s fastest-growing corridors.

Morero revealed the development during his 2025 State of the City address debate on 8 May, positioning the initiative as a landmark investment in mixed-use housing aimed at tackling the city’s deepening housing crisis.

Details on Grand Central Mega Housing Development still scarce

Picture: Daily Investor

Although the project was first mentioned during Morero’s State of the City speech, no technical breakdown or financial framework has been made public. At the time, he noted that the city would support the Grand Central Mega Housing Development but provided no timelines, costs, or delivery partners—only calling it a national first in scale.

Speaking during the debate, Morero acknowledged the financial and political challenges Johannesburg is facing but insisted the administration is prioritising service delivery over internal bureaucracy. “We’re choosing to serve the residents of Johannesburg,” he said, citing the Grand Central project as a bold step toward increasing access to homes and economic opportunities.

Mega housing plans promise growth—but raise concerns

Morero described the development, set to be built in Midrand between Johannesburg and Pretoria, as a catalyst for job creation and infrastructure investment. “This is a historic moment—South Africa’s first mega housing rollout of this scale,” he declared, urging the public to monitor the rollout closely.

Despite the optimism, the lack of specific details has already raised red flags. Johannesburg councillor Fatima Abdool questioned how such a large-scale initiative would be funded, especially as the city continues to struggle with basic service delivery. “Where will the money come from?” she asked, noting that even current municipal obligations remain underfunded.

Skepticism rooted in past mega project failures

Public confidence in large government-led housing projects is low, following a string of failed or stalled initiatives across the country. One such example is the Daggafontein Mega City, launched in 2016 to house informal settlement residents in Springs, Ekurhuleni.

Initially touted as a transformative solution for the area’s housing and infrastructure challenges, the Daggafontein project promised up to 18,000 homes and various amenities including schools, clinics, retail zones, and urban farms. It was also projected to create over 10,000 jobs during and after construction.

Despite the ceremonial sod-turning in 2017 and a scheduled completion date of March 2023, the area today shows minimal progress. BusinessTech reports that while some internal roads and services have been developed, no actual housing units have been built. Informal settlements nearby have continued to grow, casting doubt over how public funds have been used.

Millions of rands have already been spent on Daggafontein, but there’s little tangible evidence of progress. The project serves as a cautionary tale as Johannesburg embarks on another ambitious development.

Public awaits clarity as housing needs intensify

With thousands still living in backyard structures and informal settlements, housing remains one of Johannesburg’s most urgent social needs. While Morero’s announcement has sparked hope among some, the absence of clear plans, funding sources, and timelines has sparked growing scrutiny.

The success of the Grand Central Mega Housing Development may well depend on whether the City of Johannesburg can deliver on its promise—unlike many that came before it.

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Sourced:Daily Investor

Picture: Busines Tech