As Human Settlements Month draws to a close, the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements handed over 24 houses to destitute families in Kariega, under the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, on Wednesday, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide decent housing and restore dignity to vulnerable households.
Among the beneficiaries is 97-year-old Nomademfu Maggie Nondla, who previously lived in a dilapidated shack with her great-granddaughter and two grandsons. Through the Department’s Destitute and Vulnerable Housing Programme, Nondla and her family receive a new home, marking an important milestone in their lives.
Nomademfu, a widow who experiences difficulties with her eyesight and hearing, is cared for by her great-granddaughter and grandsons, who are unemployed. The family relies on social grants to meet their daily needs, making access to safe and adequate housing particularly important.
“I was living in a shack, and I am very happy to finally receive this house. I had hoped to get it much earlier, as I have waited for a long time, says Nomademfu. Today, I am grateful because I finally have a place I can call home.”
The Kariega housing project forms part of Phase 1 of the PE Destitute 300 Programme, which comprises 120 housing units across the Nelson Mandela Bay region. Of these, 24 units are allocated to beneficiaries in Kariega, including elderly people, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable households.
The project has an approved budget of R6 236 759.38 for the Kariega area and has created 144 work opportunities for residents. Greenbars Trading, a female-owned contractor, was appointed to construct the 24 houses, with opportunities also provided to unskilled community members during implementation.
The houses are constructed in accordance with the applicable national building and housing standards. Standard units measure 40 square metres, while units for persons living with disabilities measure 45 square metres. Each house is designed to provide a safe and dignified living environment, with electricity, running water, a tiled roof, a kitchen, a lounge and a fully equipped indoor bathroom.
MEC Siphokazi Lusithi says the department remains committed to prioritising vulnerable households, including elderly people, persons living with disabilities and child-headed households, through its housing programmes.
“As government, we are implementing interventions that prioritise our elderly people, persons living with disabilities and child-headed households. That is why, in the projects we implement, we must ensure that these vulnerable groups are given priority. Through these programmes, we are working towards ensuring that our human settlements meet the necessary basic requirements and improve the living conditions of our people,” says MEC Lusithi.
The handover forms part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to prioritising destitute and vulnerable households, including older persons, people living with disabilities, child-headed households and military veterans. Through the programme, the Department continues to work towards improving living conditions and ensuring that vulnerable families have access to adequate housing.
