From rags to dignity for Etete pensioners

The final 3D plan of a forever home for three elderly Etete pensioners has been drawn up and the project is going according to plan.

James Jabren (72), Moypathie Jagganath (78) and Kamla Bagello (77) have spent 30 years living in two mould-filled shacks that are on the verge of falling apart.

Two of the seniors are on a waiting list for RDP houses from KwaDukuza municipality’s phase four Etete housing project. However, phase one has not yet begun and with no set timeline, it may take years.

After the Courier reported on their living conditions last year, local and international citizens sprung into action and donated furniture, food, and building materials for repairs to the shacks.

After an inspection, it was found that the shelters were no longer livable and had to be completely rebuilt.

A committee has since been formed, made up of sponsors, builders, architects and plumbers to bring the pensioners’ dreams of a comfortable home to reality.

Project coordinator Peter van Wyk said Kamla Bagello’s family had since bought a piece of land in Etete where she will be sponsored a house.

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“Our promise remains the same, we planned to build two houses and we will, except the one house will not be in the same place as it originally was. We are still on track and we have been finalising the plans with the municipality. People have sponsored some building material and the account at MICA is still open for people to donate.”

Architect Eldry Leibrandt said the structure will be a three-bedroom house, open plan kitchen and dining area, with water and electricity.

“The bedrooms will be fitted with durable built-in cupboards, and the house is designed to accommodate wheelchair turning amenities.

All electrical switches and door handles will be fitted at a height suitable for paraplegic simplicity. We have also allowed for a 15 square metre porch and an entirely secure kitchen yard which accommodates a stormwater harvesting management system as well as a gas feed to the kitchen stove in an effort to conserve water and electricity.

The sponsors finalised the 3D design and we are working closely with the municipality who are aware of what we are trying to do. They have agreed with the design in principle, and the 3D design should be finalised in about three weeks.”

In the time it takes to build the homes, the three pensioners are expected to stay in a brick house in the area which will be temporarily rented.

One of the pensioner Moypathie Jagganath said she was relieved that she will live in dignity.

“We lived like this for so long that we do not know what comfort is. Finally, we will have some peace.”

To donate to the MICA account:

AccName: BBS Ballito

Bank: FNB

Branch: Durban Main Branch

Branch Code: 221426

Account Number: 62089397692

Reference number: ZBA323