New homes for 63 Masinenge residents
Zikalala said the project will be completed in 2024 at a cost of R102 million.
A total of 63 Masinenge Informal Settlement residents moved into their new homes on Thursday after KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala handed over keys to them.
Shoki Reginah Nhlumayo and Abigail Ntombizanele Gumede were among those who moved into their newly built double-storey homes. Premier Zikalala said the handover was part of the Masinenge Slums Clearance Housing Project, which is likely to benefit 882 families.
Zikalala said the project will be completed in 2024 at a cost of R102 million. Masinenge Informal Settlement residents are generally subjected to fires yearly and are sometimes severely impacted by natural disasters such as heavy rains.
Sixty-four-year-old Nhlumayo, who was one of the beneficiaries told Fever that she had been waiting for a house since the days she used to perm her hair. “I am now a pensioner and I am happy that I am going to live in a double storey home. Receiving this house has made me so happy and I can’t wait until my two children and I turn it into a home,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Gumede who has been living in Masinenge for over 15 years said she is at a loss for words. She said she lives with one person and is grateful for her new home. The units have a kitchen that comes with an installed kitchen sink, a bathroom, and two bedrooms that have one bed each.
Meanwhile, Zikalala said the Masinenge Slums Clearance Housing Project saw many delays especially when it came to implementation. He said the work done by a certain contractor was not of good quality, adding that the contract was then terminated.
“The KwaZulu-Natal Department for Human Settlements and Public Works hired another service provider who completed the work we are handing over now. This restored the dignity of the people. We want all people to be housed in a manner that preserves their dignity and provides safety and comfort,” said Zikalala.
The Premier added that the project in Masinenge is among many projects the Department of Human Settlements is implementing in many municipalities under the Informal Settlements Upgrading Programme policy instrument. He said the department has allocated a budget of R757 million for the Informal Settlements Upgrade Programme.
Speaking in Masingene, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Jomo Sibiya said all 63 people who received the keys to their new homes will also be given their title deeds.
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