Beneficiaries of the Gugulethu Infill Housing Project were overjoyed when they were handed the keys to their very own homes last Wednesday, July 10.

The project’s 570 units at the Gugulethu Erf 8448 site and 434 units at Mau Mau in Nyanga are being built for beneficiaries who have been waiting for houses for more than 30 years.

Mayoral committee member for human settlements, Carl Pophaim, handed over the keys. He was accompanied by Ward 39 councillor Thembinkosi Mjuza and other stakeholders.

He said the project has faced many challenges, such as problems with contractors, delays during the Covid-19 lockdowns, extortion attempts, people illegally moving into half-finished units at the Mau Mau site, and vandalism.

“We struggled but we stood up to those who stopped us. But credit must also go to the residents for working with us and the local councillor. We had to fight with extortionists for us to complete these houses. Our teams are absolutely committed to completing the Gugulethu Infill Housing Project for the beneficiaries and their families as soon as possible. We will soon be in Mau Mau to hand over other houses,” he said.

He said the Gugulethu Infill Housing Project will deliver 1 004 homes to qualifying beneficiaries who been living in backyards or shacks in informal settlements.

An emotional Noxolo Bota, who has been staying in her sister’s backyard, said she received the house on behalf of their late mother.

“I am touched by the gesture although the house is my mother’s, but she has since passed on. She has left me with something that I will cherish forever. Now I will have a place to call home, my own house.” She said the house came at the right time when the heavy rains and strong winds were making life miserable.

Another beneficiary, Patricia Oliphant, said she had given up on owning a house and could not even remember when she had applied. “I don’t even remember when I registered to get a house, but it’s been very long. After seeing people from other townships getting houses, I thought the department had forgotten about us. But today, they have proved me wrong. I now own a house,” she said.

Mr Mjuza said he was happy that residents now have a place that they can call their own and reminded them about the importance of having a will to ensure their home goes to the people they want it to, after they die.

Mr Mjuza also criticised those who wanted to stop the project because they wanted a share of jobs. He said people needed to get a roof over their heads.

He said these beneficiaries applied for houses in 1993. “I am really happy for them. We are now celebrating and rejoicing with those who are getting their houses after such a long time. We are not going to entertain people who want to do their own business here. We have been working very hard for the houses,” he said.

He hoped to get more exciting news about the completion of other houses that could be handed over soon.

The community of Gugulethu came in their numbers to see neighbours receiving their houses.

Patricia Olifant receiving her house from Mayoral committee member for human settlements, Carl Pophaim, and Ward 39 councillor Thembinkosi Mjuza.

Beneficiaries had applied for houses in 1993.

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