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"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Montrose Mega City Development, which was once touted as a </span><a href=\"https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/09/19/ncop-members-describe-unfinished-multi-billion-rand-montrose-project-as-a-crime-scene\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">large-scale solution</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the province’s housing backlog, has been inactive since January 2024.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS), the project was halted following the termination of its contract with </span><a href=\"https://scmgroup.co.za/#:~:text=SCM%20Holdings%20Group%20is%20a,construction%20and%20property%20development%20industry.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SCM Developments</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the appointed turnkey developer. The department cited “financial difficulties leading to its liquidity”. The government planned to build 5,600 housing units during the project’s first phase.</span>\r\n\r\n<b>Read more:</b> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-27-johannesburg-social-housing-company-battles-to-reduce-waiting-list/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Johannesburg Social Housing Company battles to reduce staggering waiting list</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Daily Maverick asked about the total amount spent on both phases of the development to date, GDHS spokesperson Terry-Ann van Eck, speaking on behalf of MEC Tasneem Motara, declined to provide figures, although <a href=\"https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/09/19/ncop-members-describe-unfinished-multi-billion-rand-montrose-project-as-a-crime-scene\">reports</a> suggest R11-billion was spent.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“As the development was in its first phase at the time of termination, detailed financial information on expenditure cannot be disclosed without a formal application under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).”</span>\r\n\r\n<b>Read more:</b> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/joburg-inner-city-housing-heart-of-darkness/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joburg’s heart of darkness</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In response to further queries from Daily Maverick about whether there are any plans to repair or complete the housing units, the department said: “The Department is actively engaged in negotiations with the landowner to purchase the land outright. This acquisition will enable the Department to take over and continue the development. Upon successful acquisition, a procurement process will be initiated to appoint a new developer to resume and complete the project as originally intended.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It added that it had received “guidance from the Provincial Treasury on securing the site. A professional security company has now been appointed on the property to prevent further illegal activities, including vandalism and unauthorised access,” said Van Eck.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709755\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8545-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1606\" /> <em>Collapsed staircases, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709756\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8517-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1537\" /> <em>A bathtub lying outside a block of flats, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709758\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8501-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1710\" /> <em>A toilet seat and vandalised walls, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709760\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8508-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1619\" /> <em>Damaged sewer pipes, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709761\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8523-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> <em>Collapsed staircases, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709763\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8541-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1639\" /> <em>Abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709764\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8602-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1527\" /> <em>Abandoned stormwater pipes at the second phase of the project, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla</em>)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709768\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8604-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1598\" /> <em>Vandalised block of flats, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709771\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8606-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1573\" /> <em>Abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025 (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709773\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8613-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1564\" /> <em>A road at the back of the flats, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709774\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8616-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1512\" /> <em>An onlooker stands in front of Phase two of the abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709775\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8477-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> <em>Building plans lying on the ground of the Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709776\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_4253-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1540\" /> <em>A tractor drives near the Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709777\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-05-07-11-31-09-434.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1225\" height=\"676\" /> <em>Construction sign of Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2709783\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-05-07-11-04-55-566-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1216\" height=\"584\" /> A<em>bandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>.<strong>DM</strong></p>",
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"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Montrose Mega City Development, which was once touted as a </span><a href=\"https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/09/19/ncop-members-describe-unfinished-multi-billion-rand-montrose-project-as-a-crime-scene\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">large-scale solution</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the province’s housing backlog, has been inactive since January 2024.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS), the project was halted following the termination of its contract with </span><a href=\"https://scmgroup.co.za/#:~:text=SCM%20Holdings%20Group%20is%20a,construction%20and%20property%20development%20industry.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SCM Developments</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the appointed turnkey developer. The department cited “financial difficulties leading to its liquidity”. The government planned to build 5,600 housing units during the project’s first phase.</span>\r\n\r\n<b>Read more:</b> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-27-johannesburg-social-housing-company-battles-to-reduce-waiting-list/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Johannesburg Social Housing Company battles to reduce staggering waiting list</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Daily Maverick asked about the total amount spent on both phases of the development to date, GDHS spokesperson Terry-Ann van Eck, speaking on behalf of MEC Tasneem Motara, declined to provide figures, although <a href=\"https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/09/19/ncop-members-describe-unfinished-multi-billion-rand-montrose-project-as-a-crime-scene\">reports</a> suggest R11-billion was spent.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“As the development was in its first phase at the time of termination, detailed financial information on expenditure cannot be disclosed without a formal application under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).”</span>\r\n\r\n<b>Read more:</b> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/joburg-inner-city-housing-heart-of-darkness/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joburg’s heart of darkness</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In response to further queries from Daily Maverick about whether there are any plans to repair or complete the housing units, the department said: “The Department is actively engaged in negotiations with the landowner to purchase the land outright. This acquisition will enable the Department to take over and continue the development. Upon successful acquisition, a procurement process will be initiated to appoint a new developer to resume and complete the project as originally intended.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It added that it had received “guidance from the Provincial Treasury on securing the site. A professional security company has now been appointed on the property to prevent further illegal activities, including vandalism and unauthorised access,” said Van Eck.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709755\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709755\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8545-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1606\" /> <em>Collapsed staircases, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709756\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709756\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8517-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1537\" /> <em>A bathtub lying outside a block of flats, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709758\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709758\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8501-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1710\" /> <em>A toilet seat and vandalised walls, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709760\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709760\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8508-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1619\" /> <em>Damaged sewer pipes, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709761\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709761\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8523-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> <em>Collapsed staircases, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709763\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709763\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8541-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1639\" /> <em>Abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709764\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709764\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8602-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1527\" /> <em>Abandoned stormwater pipes at the second phase of the project, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla</em>)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709768\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709768\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8604-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1598\" /> <em>Vandalised block of flats, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709771\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709771\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8606-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1573\" /> <em>Abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025 (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709773\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709773\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8613-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1564\" /> <em>A road at the back of the flats, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709774\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709774\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8616-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1512\" /> <em>An onlooker stands in front of Phase two of the abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709775\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709775\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V8477-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" /> <em>Building plans lying on the ground of the Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709776\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2560\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709776\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_4253-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1540\" /> <em>A tractor drives near the Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2709777\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1225\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2709777\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-05-07-11-31-09-434.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1225\" height=\"676\" /> <em>Construction sign of Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. 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"summary": "As Gauteng battles a worsening housing crisis, incomplete housing units near Randfontein in the West Rand remain vandalised and unoccupied. Daily Maverick photographer Felix Dlangamandla went to the ghost town on 7 May 2025. ",
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Collapsed staircases, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
A bathtub lying outside a block of flats, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
A toilet seat and vandalised walls, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Damaged sewer pipes, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Collapsed staircases, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Abandoned stormwater pipes at the second phase of the project, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Vandalised block of flats, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025 (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
A road at the back of the flats, Montrose Mega City Development, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
An onlooker stands in front of Phase two of the abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Building plans lying on the ground of the Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
A tractor drives near the Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Construction sign of Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Abandoned Montrose Mega City Development in Middelvlei, Randfontein, on the West Rand, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla).DM