Buffalo City’s new housing development, which got underway, last month, will see the construction of 500 houses in Mdantsane Zone 18CC.

The R7.5 million first phase of the project is part of a bigger development which will see 1 500 houses being built over the next 18 months, moving thousands of residents from informal settlements into their own brick-and-mortar houses.

Each 40m² structure will have two bedrooms, a lounge, a kitchen and a bathroom. Their new houses will also be fitted with ceilings and roof tiles and will be painted inside and out.

Following an environmental assessment in the area, engineers have given the green light for construction to begin, and Luwenga Startime JV, the appointed construction company, is working on the new development.

The first phase of the project is expected to accommodate 500 families from Ward 23, with the elderly, disabled people and war veterans being given priority.

On completion of the first phase, the project will move on to Wards 21, 22 and 48.

Buffalo City’s Head of Human Settlements, Councillor Nominki Mgezi, paid a recent visit to the community during which she introduced the appointed construction company, and thanked residents for their patience.

“We really appreciate your patience and we understand that you have been waiting for a house for some time now,” Mgezi said. “Today is a good day for all of us.”