More than 100 households from Jeffreys Bay have moved into brand new houses after the unblocking of two RDP housing projects that were launched more than a decade ago.
The first 107 houses of 220 units planned for Pellsrus have been completed and handed over to their new owners.
“It is the first time in more than ten years that RDP houses are being handed over in Jeffreys Bay,” said Kouga Executive Mayor Horatio Hendricks.
“The municipality is proud of the role we could play in getting the project back on track and restoring the dignity of our communities.
“Not only did the DA led municipality make the land available for the houses, we also ensured that the bulk infrastructure, including sewer, water and electricity, was in place.”
Hendricks joined the Eastern Cape MEC for Human Settlements, Nonkqubela Pieters, for the official hand-over ceremony of the R35-million project on Tuesday (10 March).
Pieters said the ceremony formed part of the provincial government’s activities to commemorate Human Rights Month.
Among the beneficiaries who received their keys from the MEC and Mayor were grandmothers Deborah Magadu and Ester Nyondo, whose children and grandchildren joined them to celebrate the big day.
“I have been waiting for a house for longer than I can remember. My heart is full of gratitude and joy,” Nyondo said.
Babalwa Mbetshe also received the keys to the house of her late mother, who passed away before the hand-over.
Contractor Malcolm Langson, from Ikhaya Construction, said the remaining houses were also nearing completion.
The Mayor applauded everyone who played a role in making the project a reality.
“This has been a true collaborative effort and shows what we can do when everyone plays their part.”
He said the Ocean View RDP housing project was also progressing well, with internal services having been installed to 1 300 sites.
“The Kruisfontein 391 project was completed at Humansdorp last year and the Hankey 990 and Sea Vista 2 000 developments are also moving forward.
“Ward-based housing committees have further been established to improve transparency and strengthen communication between government roleplayers and communities.”
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