Mpumalanga to get new development

An enormous new development, driven by mining extensions and the proposed Bravo power station, will be built between Witbank and Middelburg in Mpumalanga.

Lahleni Lakes lies approximately 6km from Witbank and 10km from Middelburg on the banks of the Doornpoort Dam.

The developers say that this development, which be built at a cost of R7bn, will be the biggest lifestyle development in SA and can be regarded as a self-reliant town.

Johnny Faurie, one of the developers, says it will be a vital economic injection for the region and create an investment platform for one of the fastest growing provinces in the country.

Lahleni Lakes will be covering 1,100 hectares en consist of 14 residential security towns with a total of 2,700 stands. This will include a retirement village.

The other facilities include a golf course designed by Ernie Els, a hotel, restaurants, schools, offices, and a retail development.

He says the development is aimed at the affordable market, with the pricing structure making this an attractive option for first-time buyers. They will then get access to the golf course as a bonus.

The first phase of 1,100 stands is being sold and Faurie says 700 are already sold. The prices of these stands range from R300k for a 750sq m stand to R1,5sq m for a one hectare stand.

He says despite the residential market's deceleration, the development is being driven by owner-occupiers and not necessarily investors.

On top of that, there is a moratorium on new developments in Middelburg and Witbank and Lahleni is coming on to the market after struggling for two years to get the necessary approval, including electricity certificates.

Buyers can choose from five designs to build their house. The Tuscan style is not part of the development, he says. – Elma Kloppers, Sake24

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