Hope was restored for Ntombikayise Bhengu and her family when she received the keys to their new home. She was one of many residents that were displaceed during the April 2019 floods.

THERE were tears of joy from the Bhengu family when they received the keys to their new home on 4 July. The family is from Ward 84 in uMlazi CC-Section.Ntombikayise Bhengu, 56, thanked the Municipality and other stakeholders for restoring their hope. “I would like to thank everyone involved in the project. I was living with eight family members in a dilapidated room. But today, I am so happy as I received the keys to this beautiful, new house. May God bless you all,” said an elated Bhengu. 

The house handover was conducted by the Municipality in partnership with the Collen Mashawana Foundation, Wesbank, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and Ncanda Funerals. The Bhengu family was one of several families displaced during the April 2019 floods. The family was identified by Ward Councillor Msizi Mabaso.

The eThekwini Municipality Human Settlements and Infrastructure Unit, with various stakeholders, continues to steadily work towards assisting displaced flood victims with decent shelter. Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Bheki Mngwengwe said: “We are supporting the house handover which was built by the Collen Mashawana Foundation and Wesbank. EThekwini Municipality contributed with the securing of the land on which this beautiful house has been built. It can be challenging to assist the large number of victims at once, so the assistance from the private sector is highly appreciated.”