The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements and the Development Bank of South Africa have ensured that fifty beneficiaries in Elliotdale, Eastern Cape, will enjoy living with their families in the comfort and warmth of their new homes during the festive season.

The construction management team of the Elliotdale Housing Project which comprises Teba Development and Lima, have been working hard to ensure that each completed house, designed by ACG Architects, meets the standards set by the ECDOHS.

Dustin Mills, the Project Manager of the construction team said, “The management team have targeted getting as many beneficiaries into their new homes before Christmas as possible, with particular focus on the most vulnerable individuals.”

Mrs Fetumane is one of these vulnerable beneficiaries who endured a traumatic event when her mud hut burnt down and she was left stranded without a home and had to move in with her daughter. Mrs Fetumane is the oldest disabled beneficiary, so when her mud hut caught light during the middle of the night, she lay screaming in her bed as she was too frail to escape. Luckily nearby residents heard her cry for help and rescued her from the flames.

During the handover of houses, Mrs Fetumane explained how she had kept her personal belongings and sentimental tokens safe over the years but it was instantly destroyed in the fire. Mrs Fetumane says her new big home has restored a sense of hope in her and she looks forward to spending Christmas with her family inside this large house. Christmas for the new housing beneficiaries will be a pleasant one as they share their gratification with family or friends; in addition the New Year looks promising as a further 150 houses gather pace for completion.