EASTERN Cape Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi, together with Dr A.B. Xuma Local Municipality Mayor, Siyabulela Zangqa, oversaw the handing over of a house to 102-year-old Nofimbile Sombo of Inkwenkwezi Village in Ngcobo on September 23.
Local businesses also donated furniture for grandmother Sombo’s house.
Sombo, her five children and grandchildren previously lived in a dilapidated mud structure, prior to the provincial government’s intervention.
The house handover formed part of 25 houses that were handed over to beneficiaries on the day under the Inkwenkwezi 300, a rural housing project to benefit 300 families in the area.
The scope of the housing project includes construction of 300 housing units, installation of rainwater tanks and VIP toilets infrastructure services at a contract value of R45 million.
“I thank government for giving me this gift while I am still alive. I had lost hope of getting it due to my age, having seen many people younger than me getting government-built houses before me,” Sombo said.
Mani-Lusithi said the housing project emanated from the Dr A.B. Xuma Local Municipality’s integrated development plan (IDP).
“The housing project was informed by the local municipality’s IDP which laid bare the housing needs of this village. As government we are committed to restoring the dignity of our people, especially the elderly, people with disabilities and military veterans,” Mani-Lusithi said.
Fruit trees and indigenous trees were also donated to Gogo Sombo.
The provincial Department of Human Settlements says a total of 211 houses of the Inkwenkwezi 300 project have been completed to date.
