Abstract:
This is an exploratory study which seeks to look at barriers to land accessibility for the
construction of low-income or affordable housing on former mining lands between
Soweto and Johannesburg CBD. Based on the findings, there are various barriers which
inhibit and threaten the construction of houses on former mining lands. These barriers,
exposed by the findings of this report are radon, mine dust - both of which pose a serious
health risk to residents if exposed to it for a long period of time - high prices of land,
inadequate funding for housing subsidies and the National Nuclear Regulator’s too strict
and uncompromising stance on housing construction on contaminated lands. The
conclusion drawn by this report is that the government, owners of former mining land
and the National Nuclear Regulator need to co-operate and work together towards finding
a common ground in order to enhance the possibility of a total removal of these barriers,
so that the previously marginalized citizens can afford to own houses closer to the Central
Business District of Johannesburg.
