City’s housing project brings hope for lower income families
Some families of The Bluff remain hopeful to be able to take occupation of the newly built units in Donnelly Road by May next year.
MORE than 60 families will soon have access to affordable and safer housing as eThekwini Municipality makes progress in completing its Donnelly Road Community Residential Unit (CRU) Project on The Bluff.
Lindiwe Khuzwayo, the city’s head of communications, said the project, which started in 2021, is expected to be completed by May 2024.
“The overall aim of the project is to facilitate the provision of secure and stable rental for low income earners,” she said.
Khuzwayo said 128 units will be built which comprise bachelor, one and two bedrooms.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Wentworth families illegally occupy temporary housing area
She said the site, which is owned by the city, currently comprises four structures, a building known as the convent and three single story dwellings.
She said a burnt and disused hall has since been demolished for one of the buildings, Block C.
“There are currently 63 households, ranging from single persons to families that are occupying the existing structures at the site. The latest statistics reveal that families comprise 185 adults and 44 children. However, the three buildings will be demolished to make way for Block E.
“The convent, which is also currently housing families, could not be demolished due to AMAFA listing. It will be renovated to cater for 24 one bedroom units,” she said.
Ward 66 councillor, Zoë Solomon, said the residents of the area welcomed the housing project.
ALSO READ: Southlands Sun 04 August 2023
“This is the first gap housing project under the Department of Human Settlements that we have ever had in the area. It is also a welcomed relief for many families who have been living in squalor in the space that was once the old convent that belonged to the Catholic church. They are now going to go into these wonderful units, along with the other families from The Bluff, that have been registered for gap housing.
“The families will have an opportunity to live in brand new units, as well as bring their children up with dignity, by having access to basic amenities such as running water and electricity, which are enshrined in our Constitution and that they deserve,” she said.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.
