Government Delivers Homes And Responds To Infrastructure Needs In Koukamma

The Executive Mayor of Sarah Baartman District Municipality, together with Eastern Cape Premier, Hon. Lubabalo Mabuyane, MEC for Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlements, Hon. Siphokazi Lusithi, MPL Asanda Tebekana and Koukamma Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Sam Vuso, today joined residents of Ward 6 for the handover of 66 houses to destitute households in the area.

A particularly special moment was the handover of a home to Zimkhita Mntambo, a woman living with disabilities. Her new home has been specially fitted with the necessary features to ensure that it is accessible and meets her needs, allowing her to live with greater dignity, safety and independence.

Overcome with gratitude, Zimkhita thanked government for providing her with a home that is suited to her circumstances and gives her and her family a secure place to call home.

The programme then continued to Thornham, where the delegation engaged with community leaders on matters relating to land and title deeds in the area. The engagement provided an opportunity for government to listen directly to community concerns and discuss possible interventions.

The delegation also conducted an oversight visit along the R62, which was severely affected by the heavy rains experienced across the district during May and June. The contractor is currently on site and repair work is underway to restore the damaged road and improve safety for motorists and communities who rely on this important route.

The delegation's final stop was Waterval, where farm roads were also badly affected by the recent heavy rains. An assessment was conducted to determine the extent of the damage and identify what additional work and interventions are required.

Today's programme demonstrated the importance of government working together and remaining connected to communities — delivering houses, addressing land and tenure challenges, and responding to the infrastructure damage caused by increasingly severe weather events.