JEFFREYS BAY – Eastern Cape Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, handed over 28 newly built homes to destitute families on 31 October in Oceanview, Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, including beneficiaries living with disabilities.
The handover forms part of the provincial Human Settlements Month programme, which features various service delivery activities throughout October in commemoration of Joe Slovo.
“We handed over 28 houses, which prioritise the elderly and people living with disabilities. We also had an opportunity to engage with the beneficiaries who are affected and give them progress on the project. This project is important as it’s restoring the dignity of the most vulnerable in our society,”said Lusithi.
The beneficiaries had been living in dire conditions in an informal settlement that left them vulnerable.
Among those who received a new home was 40-year-old Jeremy Honeybrook, who relies on crutches for walking.
“I feel so lucky to get this house. I am very happy. I don’t know how to explain how I am feeling, I am truly grateful,” said Honeybrook.
The Department built a 45-square-metre house designed to accommodate his needs, including ramps for easy access.
Honeybrook previously lived with his mother and brother in a shack, surviving on social and disability grants.
Another beneficiary who received her house, Busisiwe Magwanya, had been living with her family of 10 in a rented two-bedroom house in Oceanview, Jeffreys Bay.
Due to her poor health, the living conditions were unsuitable.
“This feels like a dream. I never thought I would have a house. This has always been my wish to have my own place. I’m thankful to the government for this house,” said Magwanya.
She relies on a disability grant as her main source of income.
Oceanview’s 1,500 housing units are the Department’s project in Jeffreys Bay, aimed at transforming informal settlements into integrated urban settlements.
The project is implemented in phases, with 568 units to be constructed in this current phase.
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