Beneficiaries of the KTC Phase 3 housing development project include elderly people and those with special needs, including 67-year-old Mama Thozama Mhlomi and 79-year-old Tata Funani Qotyiwe who is visually impaired. The first-time home owners were thrilled to receive the keys to their new homes from Councillor Booi. The project will result in 235 beneficiaries receiving new homes and is expected to be completed by approximately April 2020.

The R44 million project is testament to the City’s commitment to service delivery through the provision of housing opportunities as well as empowering some of our more vulnerable residents as first-time property owners.
 
The houses for beneficiaries with special needs include ramps, modified bathrooms and lowered light switches to make it accessible to wheelchair-bound residents.
 
‘It was an honour for me to hand over houses to our beneficiaries who have special needs or who have dependants with special needs. As a caring City, it is important for us to ensure that these homes specifically cater for beneficiaries with physical challenges so that their homes are more accessible to them and suitable to their needs.

‘It was overwhelming to see the joy on the faces of our beneficiaries and their loved ones. Beneficiaries have the opportunity to unlock their homes and their dreams as they have become property owners for the first time.
 
‘Owning a home gives beneficiaries security and signifies the restoration of their dignity. This is a memorable moment for us all. 
 
‘Going forward, we remind our new property owners that they are responsible for their homes. We therefore encourage them to make responsible decisions regarding their homes which include the maintenance and upkeep as well as ensuring the security of their assets for their loved ones in future by including it in their will. I wish the families all the best in their homes and trust they will continue to take good care of their properties so that it becomes a lasting legacy for their future generations,’ said Councillor Booi.
 

A number of projects to provide housing opportunities to thousands of beneficiaries are under way across the metro.

‘We are making every effort to ensure that the provision of housing opportunities reaches some of our more vulnerable residents who qualify for housing opportunities.

​​‘As a caring City, we recognise the dire need for housing opportunities that are situated on well-located land, close to public transport, employment opportunities and economic nodes. There are no quick fixes, but we are absolutely committed to building integrated communities with different types of residential developments based on a mix of income groups and circumstances. We are committed to inclusivity and will keep on exploring all possibilities to enable us to provide more affordable housing opportunities for our residents,’ said Councillor Booi.
 
 
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