EASTERN Cape Human Settlements MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, accompanied by Ngcobo Local Municipality Mayor, Siyabulela Zangqa, has handed over new housing units to 90 destitute families from Deberha Village outside Ngcobo on September 23
The new housing units were built through a R12 million housing project, targeted at changing the lives of destitute families – most of whom are elderly.
The 90 houses form part of the first phase of the project which will see 706 houses built in nine villages of Ward 6 of the Ngcobo Local Municipality.
Among the beneficiaries is a 66-year-old Nosayinethe Gxokonyela, who was staying in a dilapidated mud structure. Gxokonyela, who is a widow dependent on a social grant, said her living conditions would change for the better.
“I’m glad that this day has finally come. I was living under difficult conditions in my dilapidated mud structure.
“Now, my son and I will have a decent home. My heart is full of gratitude,” said Gxokonyela.
In the same village, there’s a 46-year-old Nozakekho Rangayi. Rangayi is an unemployed mother of seven. She was staying in a collapsing mud structure with her seven children and a grandchild. She is also unemployed.
Receiving the house means a new start for her family.
“We were congested in this mud structure which was a concern for me during this pandemic.”
Severe weather conditions would affect the health of my children, especially when it is cold. Now this is a new start and we will be safer in a proper house,” said Rangayi.
The provincial housing department is inundated with housing applications. This financial year it has taken a position to prioritise the elderly, destitute, vulnerable, disabled, child-headed homes and military veterans.
Kontsiwe said this was being done to change the lives of these designated groups.
“The other focus of the department is building houses in rural villages. This is where there are high levels of poverty and unemployment,” said Kontsiwe.
This project alone will see more than 200 elderly people benefitting from it. Meanwhile, the department has set aside R262 million for the Chris Hani District Municipality this financial year. This will see 80 low-cost housing projects completed in various municipalities.
– ISSUED BY THE EASTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
