Huge housing projects unveiled

Premier Mchunu used the opportunity to announce that R53-million will be spent on building 720 houses in Sibongile (the buffer strip project) to benefit people who have never owned a house before

Makhala Mchunu (third from right, wearing dark glasses), who is 102 years old, received a certificate from Premier Mchunu during the imbizo programme. The centenarian also received food donations from various VIPs who poured into Sibonigle on Friday. From left: N Sabhidla-Saphethe (MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation), Endumeni Mayor Thulani Mahaye, Umzinyathi District Council Mayor Dr Rev James Mthethwa, National Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof Hlengiwe Nkhize, Makhala Mchunu, Premier Mchunu and MEC for Human Settlements Ravi Pillay.

For the cynical it was all about perfectly-timed election fever.
But for disabled Bhekisisa Nxumalo, it was a dream come true when KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu and Human Settlements MEC Ravi Pillay presented keys to his new house.
Lindiwe Mdlalose also received her keys to her new subisdised house in Lindelane, where a new housing project is underway on the so-called buffer strip.
The handover was part of the ANC’s Imbizo – held exclusively in Sibongile – as the election roadshow began to hit top gear.
An elderly man in the community, Makhala Mchunu (who is 102), was recognised by Premier Mchunu with the presentation of a certificate.
After this there was a public meeting at Mpumelelo Stadium, where the Premier was joined by Umzinyathi District Mayor Rev James Mthethwa, Endumeni Mayor Thulani Mahaye and the National Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof Hlengiwe Nkhize
Housing
Premier Mchunu used the opportunity to announce that R53-million will be spent on building 720 houses in Sibongile (the buffer strip project) to benefit people who have never owned a house before.
In Glencoe, the Sithembile housing project will see R57-million being spent on 492 homes, which are expected to be finished by the end of this year.
Housing projects were also announced for Msinga:
* KwaLatha Rural Housing Project – valued at R31-million for 500 houses.
* Ezibomvini Rural Housing Project – R39,5-million for 500 houses.
* Mvundlweni Rural Housing Project – R39-million 550 houses.
* Mthembu Rural Housing Project – R100-million for 1 260 houses.
* Pomeroy Housing Project – R9,9-million for the construction of 500 houses.
More than R85-million has been set aside in Nquthu for the construction of 1 000 houses through the Jabavu Masotsheni Rural Housing and Nondweni Housing Projects.
There are other projects with a total value of about R80-million, which are due for completion.
Electricity
More than 7 000 houses have been electrified in Umzinyathi since 2009, in areas such as Mfongomfongo, Mashesheleni, Sandlwana Ndatshana, Ngedla, Mbewunye and others.
Projects in the process of construction are to provide a further 8 725 consumers with electricity connections across the province.
These will be completed by the end of 2014, at a cost of approximately R240-million. With a total of almost 22 000 connections, the ‘island eradication programme’ will be completed in 2015/16.
Water and sanitation
A R17-million project is underway to provide water for 5 000 people at Stratford Farm and in surrounding areas.