At least 129 residents from various informal settlements in Ward 95 received building materials from the Department of Human Settlement on Monday 3 June.
The beneficiaries were among the people whose shacks were destroyed and vandalised by strong wind and rain in April.
Some of the affected areas include Votsho, Arch, Zinzi, Newlands, Nyakathisa, Pandemic Square, Lower Chris Hani, Empolweni, Thembeni and Zwezwe
Each beneficiary received 16 zinc, 4 perelines, 4 tarred poles, a door lock, hinges, 4 packets of nails, a window, a slide latch lock and a door.
Malusi Dikopu, one of the beneficiaries, said he is over the moon. He said the material will make a huge difference.
“I’m so happy. Honestly speaking, I didn’t expect the material. I registered my name for the sake of registering.
“I already built my shack but I will extend it with the new material that I received today (Monday 3 June),” he explained.
Dikopu expressed his gratitude to the officials who ensured they got the material.
Ward 95 councillor Ayanda Tetani praised the beneficiaries for their patience.
He said the intention is to restore the dignity of the affected residents.
“Everyone deserves shelter and privacy. We are also trying to restore their dignity. We understand that it can’t be enough but in the meantime, we are trying to assist them,” he said.
Tetani urged the residents, particularly those who are in the informal settlements, to be vigilant.
“Now that the winter season is approaching, people will use paraffin stoves, heaters and wood fires to warm their homes or sometimes fall asleep while they are cooking.
“That is dangerous and can cause shack fires. People must be careful all the time,” he warned.
