Pretoria – The KwaDube Rural Housing Project in KwaZulu-Natal is the beginning of the promised better life for the people of KwaDube and the Greater uMhlathuze Municipality, says Human Settlements and Public Works MEC Ravigasen Pillay.
On Tuesday, MEC Pillay handed over the R110-million KwaDube housing project near Esikhaleni.
He said the project in KwaZulu-Natal was a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to create sustainable human settlements.
“For the next five years until 2019, we have committed to provide one million housing opportunities for qualifying households in urban and rural settlements.
“This will be coupled with an accelerated provision of basic services and infrastructure in all existing informal settlements,” he said.
The MEC said the department will also increase the supply of affordable housing by mobilising housing allowances for teachers, nurses, police officers, office workers and several others who fall in the gap market.
The project, which commenced in June last year, consists of 1 500 housing units. The scheduled date for completion is December 2015.
According to the MEC, so far, more than 700 houses have been completed.
“One remarkable thing about this project is that it straddles about five wards and this ensures the even distribution of housing opportunities to all.
“Despite the limited financial resources, I am happy that as government we remain focused in ensuring that we bring dignity to our people.
“We have committed ourselves to ensuring that there is stringent adherence to building regulations so that we leave no room for shoddy workmanship,” he said.
Last Thursday, the MEC was at the neighbouring uMlalazi municipality, where he handed over the R78-million Bhekeshowe Rural Housing Project, which is to help 1 000 beneficiaries.
Apart from the KwaDube Rural Housing Project, the department, in partnership with the uMhlathuze Municipality, is involved in numerous projects within the area of jurisdiction of the municipality.
These include the KwaMkhwanazi Housing Project, which the MEC launched in April 2012; the Mhlathuze Village in its different phases; KwaBhejane Rural Housing as well as Madlebe Housing Project.
“We also have a project in the pre-planning stage at Aquadene. I am very encouraged at the pace that uMhlathuze Municipality has implemented some of these projects,” said MEC Pillay.
He further promised that the departmental Consumer Education Section will visit the project next week to inform the new beneficiaries what is expected of them, now that they are owners of the houses. - SAnews.gov.za
