IN WARD 96, at Umbumbulu, an 85-year-old grandmother was handed keys to her new house after years of living in a dilapidated home with her family.
Ntombikayise Sishi’s house suffered extensive flood damage during the floods in 2019. She said it had been tough for her family of 10 as they struggled to fix their old house because building materials are so expensive.
“No one in the house is employed, and we all live under one roof. I am thankful to God for this moment. I never thought I would own such a beautiful house,” said Ntombikayise.
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eThekwini Municipality, together with the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, jointly held the handover ceremony to 10 beneficiaries of newly built houses.
Another beneficiary from the same area, Zandile Khwela, said she lived in a rondavel with 11 family members. No one in the household is employed, and they survive on government grants.
“I am very happy to finally have my own space. God has heard my prayers. Thank you to eThekwini Municipality for this home,” she said.
Ward 96 councillor Thembelihle Makhanya said some of the beneficiaries had been displaced since the floods of 2019, and last year’s heavy rains made it worse.
“We truly understand the struggle of residents. People have many needs, shelter being one of the most important. We are working to improve the lives of all people, and we plead for residents’ patience during this time,” said Thembelihle.
He urged residents to be patient as housing projects were ongoing in the ward with plans to build a total of 70 houses.
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