The Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Human Settlements has set aside over R25 million for the development of housing settlements in Keiskamahoek.

The department has already spent approximately R 6 million on the implementation of the project which is being developed in two phases.

Construction on the first phase of the project in Masincedane has already started prioritising 200 destitute and vulnerable group beneficiaries. To date 87 houses are under construction in the area.

The project, which will see 200 houses constructed for destitute families, is expected to complete this financial year ending in March next year.

The second phase for the remaining 1055 beneficiaries is in the planning phase with social facilitation, beneficiary administration, geotechnical investigation and foundation design underway.

The department says houses will be constructed in the outer years on completion of the planning activities.