4.5 Site visit to Howell Heights - Social Housing Ward 25 The project was spear-headed by First Metro Housing Company, which was the first social housing company in the city of Durban. The company was involved in the development and management of social housing in the eThekwini (Durban) metropolitan region of South Africa. The company's primary purpose was the development of quality, affordable residential property for low to middle-income households. The company was established on 2 December 1998 as an independent section 21 company (non-profit organisation) and was managed by a board of directors. The organisation was initiated by the eThekwini Municipality out of the twin city relationship with the city of Rotterdam.