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By: Mthubanzi Mniki

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality took another step on the journey toward ensuring a better life for the people of Chatty by delivering more than 800 houses to those in need.

Making a special appearance to witness the momentous handover of houses was the National Minister of Human Settlements, Tokyo Sexwale.

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Cllr Zanoxolo Wayile, said the Municipality was walking the road to a better life along with the people of Chatty, and said they would not be abandoned in their time of need.

Mayor Wayile said the Municipality would be working along with other spheres of government to not merely build houses, but rather integrated communities.

“We have committed ourselves to building quality houses that will be homes and leading to better communities. Gone are the days where the government would build just a house, without ensuring the integration of all services needed by the community,” said Mayor Wayile.

It has been a long road for the people of Chatty, who have voluntarily been moved from foodplains and stressed areas, such as Veeplaas and KwaNoxolo.

“It has not been easy from then until now and the road is still long. We still need to put in place other social amenities, such as trees, sports grounds, clinics and schools. I

am confdent that the unity and commitment we have shown as the different spheres of government, along with the people, will lead us to a better life,” he said.

A tearful housing benefciary, Nomzi Sakhele (40), battled to hold back the emotion when she received the keys to her new home.

“I want to thank God, my ancestors and the African National Congress for having answered my prayers. My husband died

because of the cold while living in a shack in KwaNoxolo, and now I have a beautiful new house,” she said.

Sakhele encouraged other community members still waiting for houses to be patient, as their turn would come.

“I had to wait for years, but because I knew that this is a government that delivers on its promises, I did not lose hope,” she said.

Another benefciary, Alime Namba, said her young child will live in a decent and safe house. “I had to raise my frst daughter in a shack. It was not a good experience at all, because when the rainy winter days came, it was painful to see my daughter freezing in the cold. I am excited to raise my second child, because I know I now have a place I can call home,” said Namba.

Minister Sexwale said the National Integrated Human Settlements Department was committed to doing a quality job, without any room for mistakes and shoddy workmanship. “The time for rectifcation is over and we can no longer waste money on fxing houses. We are now hiring contractors who can deliver and give dignity to our people,” said Minister Sexwale.

“The time for rectifcation is over and we can no longer waste money on fxing houses. We are now hiring contractors who can deliver and give dignity to our people,” said Minister Sexwale.