MEC SIPHOKAZI LUSITHI HANDS OVER 30 HOUSES TO DESTITUTE FAMILIES IN NDEVANA

Eastern Cape MEC for Public Works, Infrastructure, and Human Settlements, Siphokazi Lusithi, together with Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Executive Mayor, Princess Faku, celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, 17 January 2025, by officially handing over 30 houses to destitute families in Ndevana, under the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). This marks a pivotal moment for the rural community, providing a new lease on life for some of the most vulnerable residents in the province.

"Today we handed over 30 completed houses as part of the Ndevana 380 project, into which the government has invested R86 million. This is a demonstration of our commitment to addressing the housing backlog and ensuring we spend our budget effectively and on time." - MEC Siphokazi Lusithi

The handover ceremony symbolised not just the culmination of a government initiative but also a significant improvement in the living conditions of the people of Ndevana. Previously, many of these families were living in mud structures, unsafe and inadequate for their needs. Others had been left destitute due to natural disasters that ravaged their homes. The new houses represent hope and stability for these families.

“Today we handed over 30 completed

houses as part of the Ndevana 380 project, into which the government has invested R86 million. This is a demonstration of our commitment to addressing the housing backlog and ensuring we spend our budget effectively and on time,” stated MEC Lusithi during her address. She emphasised that the project prioritises the most vulnerable members of society, including the elderly, people living with disabilities, and childheaded households.

Ndevana 380 Housing Project

The Ndevana 380 housing project, which forms part of the broader Ndevana 1478 initiative, focuses on transforming the lives of destitute families and vulnerable individuals by providing them with safe and dignified homes. Among the recipients was Sixolile Malisi, a 35-yearold resident who, along with his younger brother, lost their parents and had been living in precarious conditions. “I am so happy to get this house. Our lives will change from now on as a family. We now feel safe in this new house. I’m truly grateful,” said Malisi. He recounted how heavy winds had destroyed their previous home, leaving them to seek alternative shelter.

This handover of 30 houses marks the completion of the first phase of the Ndevana 1478 project. Upon completion, the project will deliver a total of 1,478 homes to families in desperate need. The initiative represents the government's broader commitment to improving housing delivery in the Eastern Cape, particularly for marginalized groups. MEC Lusithi reiterated that housing delivery remains a priority for the Department of Public Works, Infrastructure, and Human Settlements. Special attention is being given to addressing the needs of people living with disabilities, the elderly, childheaded families, and military veterans.

The Ndevana 380 project, with an investment of R86 million, is part of a larger strategy to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for residents across Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM).

The Department has 33 active housing projects in BCMM during the current financial year, collectively valued at R227 million. These projects are not just about providing houses; they are about creating sustainable and integrated communities.

MEC Lusithi also highlighted the importance of these projects in reducing the housing backlog in the province. She acknowledged that while there is still much work to be done, projects like Ndevana 1478 demonstrate the government’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of providing decent housing for all. “This is proof that we are determined to chase the backlog and ensure that every cent of the budget is used to improve the lives of our people,” she said.

The handover event was also an opportunity to reflect on the broader impact of these housing projects. For many families, receiving a new home is not just about having a roof over their heads; it is about regaining dignity, security, and a sense of belonging. The emotional testimonies from beneficiaries like Malisi underscored the transformative power of such interventions.

Beyond housing, these projects are also contributing to local economic development. The construction of the houses has created job opportunities for local residents, boosting the economy of Ndevana and surrounding areas.

This aligns with the government's commitment to using infrastructure projects as a catalyst for socio-economic growth.

Buffalo City Executive Mayor, Princess Faku, expressed her gratitude to the provincial government for its support in addressing the housing needs of BCMM residents. She emphasised that collaboration between different spheres of government is essential for delivering services effectively and ensuring that no community is left behind.

As the Ndevana 1478 project progresses, more families are set to benefit from this government intervention. The next phases of the project will focus on delivering additional houses while ensuring that the quality and standards of construction remain high. The Department has pledged to continue prioritizing the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that housing delivery is not just about quantity but also about meeting the specific needs of beneficiaries.

For the people of Ndevana, the 30 houses handed over represent a new chapter of hope and resilience. The handover serves as a reminder of the government’s ongoing commitment to building communities and improving lives, one house at a time.