The lives of 27 destitute families in Ngqele Village near Alice, in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, have changed for the better after they received keys to their new homes today, 05 July 2024.
Amongst them was 78-year-old Nomvumelwo “Nofish” Xape who received her house from Eastern Cape Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi. Ï am at peace today, I am very happy today. This house is warm compared to the old mud house I was living in for many years,” said Xape. The visually impaired Xape was living in a dilapidated mud structure with her grandchild. She is part of the 345 families who were affected by natural disasters in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality.
“We gather here in Ngqele Village to celebrate the handover of newly built houses to 27 deserving destitute families within the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. This day represents not just the provision of shelter but the restoration of dignity, hope, and security to some of our most vulnerable citizens”, said MEC Siphokazi Lusithi during the cutting of the ribbon at the house.
The human settlements project was initiated by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements with the primary goal of addressing the urgent housing needs of families affected by the natural disaster. The project has 227 completed houses whilst the rest are under construction.
The other family to benefit is that of Sikhumbuzo Busakwe who said, “I was homeless staying with relatives, Ï can’t describe the feeling I have today, this means a lot to me because my three children now have a home.”
This project is a commitment by the Department to eradicate mud structures, which are particularly vulnerable during disasters, and replacing them with decent quality homes that can withstand the challenges posed by the changing climate.
Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements.