EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, has welcomed the new student accommodation, which is currently under construction at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard Campus.
During the launch on 18 November, Mayor Xaba described the project as a great milestone, which will transform student life in the City of Durban.
The R800-million project will have 2 000 beds and will significantly contribute towards alleviating housing shortage for students in Durban. During peak construction phase, the project will create about 1 200 temporary jobs and 50 permanent jobs post construction.
Mayor Xaba applauded Growthpoint Properties, Thrive Student Living and the University of KwaZulu-Natal for collaborating with eThekwini Municipality in the planning of this project.
“This is indeed a major step forward for us in our effort to attract investment in the city. A few years ago, the municipality proclaimed this area as a student accommodation precinct, and this is the first development of its kind in this precinct and the biggest student accommodation investment in eThekwini,” he said.
He added that the development has a great potential not only in turning around our economic fortunes, but also in transforming the city’s skyline and he trusts that this development will entice more student accommodation investors in this precinct.
Apart from the economic benefits to the city, Mayor Xaba explained that such projects give hope about the future of eThekwini and demonstrate that government and the private sector are working together to improve the living conditions of our people.
“We want to indicate that this investment has come to our shores because we have demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that Durban is truly open for business and investment. This speaks volumes about the sterling work we are doing to facilitate the ease of doing business in the city and elevate Durban as a premier investment destination,” he said.
