The housing allocation was conducted by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements in conjunction with the City of Ekurhuleni, led by MEC Jacob Mamabolo and members of the Mayoral Committee in Ekurhuleni.
According to the Ekurhuleni Metro, people who have been put on top of the list include people living with disabilities, the elderly, orphans from child-headed families and military veterans from Tsakane, KwaThema, Duduza and Eden Park who have been on the housing waiting list.
One of the elated beneficiaries Christina Sesi Maseko (89), who will be living with her youngest daughter and three grandchildren, says she is thrilled since all her life she has been squatting with relatives.
She adds that she is relieved that her children finally have a place to call home, so she can die in peace knowing they have a roof over their head.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements in Ekurhuleni, Clr Aubrey Nxumalo says that this programme shows the city’s commitment towards ensuring all residents live in a dignified way.
The R60-million project will, in total, consist of 4 117 households comprising of two bedrooms, a bathroom fitted with a toilet, basin and bath tub, a lounge and a kitchen with running water and electricity.
So far, in the current phase of this project, 425 houses have been completed and another 425 are under construction and have been serviced with water and sewer services.
The beneficiaries of the 850 new homes are set to occupy their new homes as of February 1, with the assistance of officials from local and provincial offices of human settlements.
Nxumalo adds that this project will also enjoy the adequate allocation of community services such as a clinic, early childhood development centres, recreational parks, library, taxi rank, business centres, places of worship and a nearby customer care centre in the future.
He says the city plans to rename the area after the late Caiphus Sambo to honour him as the first MMC of Human Settlement for the Ekurhuleni Council who dedicated his time for proper housing for all.
