The living conditions of 120 destitute families who were homeless in Cabazana Village in the Alfred Nzo District, has changed after receiving keys to their new homes today, 31 July 2024. The Eastern Cape Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi handed over the recently completed houses in the Umzimvubu Local Municipality.
The Department has prioritized those living in unbearable conditions, including 68-year-old Mantuli Jabavu who was staying in a poor mud structure with her 3 dependents. “My life has now changed after receiving this house, I was staying in a mud structure that would get wet during rainy days, I am really thankful,” said Jabavu.
The 120 houses form part of the rural human settlements project, Cabazana 400, which is for the benefit of the destitute and vulnerable families in the Umzimvubu Local Municipality. The scope of the project includes the construction of 400 houses, the provision of water tanks, and VIP toilets for each household.
“Mama Mantuli (Jabavu) is one of the destitute families we are handing over these newly built houses to. We want to ensure that the poorest of the poor are protected and their dignity restored by improving their living conditions, especially in our rural areas such as this one” said MEC Lusithi.
She added that the handover was a fitting tribute to the legacy of the late tata Nelson Mandela, “demonstrating our unwavering commitment to uplifting the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society.”
The project prioritises the elderly, disabled and child headed families in the local municipality.