Construction resumes on stalled Bhaziya housing project for flood victims

After years of delays, a multimillion-rand housing project to build 136 RDP homes for Bhaziya residents whose houses were destroyed during devastating storms is back on track. The project, which stalled more than a year ago because of funding and payment disputes, resumed this week as contractors returned to the site in Ward 15 under the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipality. The houses form part of the OR Tambo 850/KSD 261 housing project, implemented by the OR Tambo District Municipality on behalf of the Eastern Cape human settlements department.

The project follows the deadly storms of 2020 and 2021 that devastated parts of the OR Tambo district. In 2021, heavy rains and gale-force winds killed three people, including a two-month-old baby and a 17-year-old schoolgirl, while at least 44 others were injured in areas including Bhaziya, Sigubudwini and Ross Mission. Announcing the resumption of construction, the district municipality said the restart reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality housing.

“The reinstatement marks the resumption of housing construction after previous delays, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to delivering quality homes and improving the living conditions of local communities,” it said. Human settlements portfolio head Siphokazi Njisane urged residents to support the project and protect construction sites. “This marks the continuation of our commitment to the people of Bhaziya,” she said.

[paywall]

“Our priority is to ensure that quality houses are completed without unnecessary delays while creating employment opportunities for local residents during construction. “The municipality further reaffirms its commitment to accelerating the delivery of sustainable human settlements, maintaining high standards of workmanship and ensuring that local contractors and job seekers benefit from the project.” She urged residents to work with contractors to ensure deserving families finally realised “the dream of owning a decent home”.

[/paywall]