The Department of Human Settlement, Chris Hani District Municipality and Emalahleni Local Municipality responded to the needs of the destitute family of seven which was affected very badly by disastrous incidents occurred in 2015.

The family reside in Ward 3, Greyspan village, they will be supported with a permanent structure as they are currently living in a shack since the incident took place. Their house was not partially affected but it was destroyed beyond repairs and the department of Human settlement identified them as destitute since it is a child headed family and they are unemployed.

Department of human settlement prioritised their case because they qualified under the destitute programme which allows the victims to be assisted.

During the handover ceremony the house to be built was described as the four roomed house which comprises of two bed rooms, dinning room, kitchen and bathroom.

The construction will take a duration of 30 days from commencement to the finalization, employment opportunities for the locals will include four labourers as the construction company requested sharply to use its skilled builders to ensure quality.

Ward Councillor Xolela Njadu welcoming this initiative said we are here today for the construction company handover to build the house for one of our community members. We appreciate having this project as part of our community development. We all here to witnessed what our government has done.

Mayor Councillor Nomveliso Nyukwana during the handover said, “This is as a result of your work as communities, this is a response to your prayers and requests. We understand that you are all talking with one voice saying the life of the Mthelekiso family one day will change. This is that day”.

“We are here as leaders due to your mandate. Even if government takes time to respond to disasters this day will be known in this ward that at least on family benefitted. We appreciate your unity as the community of ward 3 and in particular Greyspan village”, she said

“This is per a need checking to the informal settlement the family of seven reside in. Bad omen is due to bad wishes for others, as this community you did not do that instead you wished this family well and contributed as such hence we are here today”, said Nyukwana

Ms Nomthandazo Mthelekiso a relatives of the beneficiaries when welcoming the good gesture said, “These children were ten on birth, they are children of my brother.What we are here to witness is like the mana which was given by God to the Israelites. I am thankful to the community for a role they have played throughout all this difficult time. We are very thrilled by touched by what government has done for us, keep up the good work”.

“Our government is formed of all community sectors and as such it respond well to the needs of the people. As the municipality are happy with what the spheres of government have done. Work must not stop due to quarrel and non-payment of workers. The community of this ward and village must not allow a situation where the building material to build this house is sold to you as it will compromise the quality”, said Portfolio head for Infrastructure Development and Human Settlement Councillor Nolitha Lali.

Mr Andile Theophilus Lwanyana a traditional leader of ward 3 who is also a member of the Council said, “This is the place where this house will be built, it is on the site with the correct measurements for a village. We are very happy that government have delivered and retain the dignity of this family”.