Zani Khanyezi was overjoyed when she received the keys to her new house from Councillor Marco Mbambo.
ZANI KHANYEZI and her six siblings could not contain their excitement when they received the keys to their new home in KwaNgcolosi in ward 8 which is under Councillor Marco Mbambo. Khanyezi extended her gratitude to eThekwini Municipality for changing their lives through the provision of safe housing.
Khanyezi received the keys to her new home on 15 November and said she was in disbelief. “I cannot express how happy I am to have a home. Our old house was washed away during the floods earlier this year. My six siblings and I were left homeless. I am unemployed and surviving is difficult. But today I am encouraged because having such a lovely home has restored our dignity. Thank you to eThekwini Municipality for building a beautiful house for my family, we are so grateful,” said an emotional Khanyezi. The house handover forms part of the KwaNgcolosi Housing Project.
Project Manager from the Human Settlements Unit Nkululeko Khumalo said the housing project is well underway in the ward. “We understand the need for proper housing, but residents are urged to bear with us as the project is underway. I would also like to extend my gratitude to stakeholders of the project including Councillor Mbambo, the ward committee, traditional leaders, community leaders, contractors, and the National Department of Human Settlements,” said Khumalo.
The housing project, which is taking place in two wards namely ward 8 and 9, was started in 2020 and is expected to be completed in June 2023. The project was delayed by the COVID -19 pandemic. The project will see 3 595 sites being built and is being rolled out in phases. Phase 1 comprised of 750 sites which were completed in the 2019/2020 financial year. Three contractors were appointed for phase 1. Phase 2 comprises of 400 sites, with 355 sites completed. The outstanding 45 sites will be completed in the 2022/2023 financial year.
Economic opportunities have also been made available to ward 8 and 9 residents from the project. This includes the employment of local labour, sourcing of local materials, and sub-contracting opportunities. The project will provide an opportunity for community development through skills training.
