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A hundred houses were built in Drieziek in just five days, with help from volunteers, professional builders and government officials.
THE streets of Drieziek Extension 5, in Orange Farm resonated with laughter and singing as City and government officials inspected some of the houses that were built by volunteers in just five days.
The project, in southern Joburg was the result of partnership between the City of Johannesburg's housing department, the Department of Correctional Services, nine private companies and volunteers from the community.
The City of Johannesburg joined hands with the Department of Correctional Services and nine private companies
During the week volunteers from the departments and the local community built 100 houses under the supervision of experienced builders. Building started on Monday, 19 October and the keys were handed to the beneficiaries on Friday, 23 October.
Mantwa Mahapa, one of the beneficiaries, could not hide her emotion after receiving the keys to her new home.
"It is a big relief to us that we have a new house," the 27-year-old said. "For so many years I stayed in a squatter camp in Orange Farm and battled with rats and snakes. I am so glad that my children now have a decent place to stay in ... I cannot find the words to express my happiness."
Having waited for a house for more than 16 years, Zakhele Zulu was also ecstatic to finally receive a key for his new home.
"I am so happy that my family finally has a house to stay in. We had been staying in a shack for so many years and I had reached the point of going back home to KwaZulu-Natal when it seemed there was no hope of getting a house," he said.
Zulu explained that he would now be safe from the rain - and was delighted that his home had electricity and water.
Another beneficiary, Vuyilwa Dhlomo, who also could not hide her joy, outlined her plans for her new home. "I am so glad that they at least met me half-way ... I am planning to plant a lawn and some flowers to make the place look more attractive," she said excitedly.
She had been living in a back room with her with her three children for six years, she added. "I have bought new stuff for my new home and I am definitely going to move soon after the builders finish cleaning the houses."
A home at last
In his remarks to the community at the handover ceremony, Executive Mayor Amos Masondo said the City would build 800 more units in the area by the end of December.
"We appreciate the sponsors' enthusiastic contributions in helping us improve the living conditions of families in Drieziek Extension 5." The City had implemented a fencing programme that would give residents a sense of ownership.
Also at the ceremony was Deputy Minister of Human Settlements Zoliswa Kota, who thanked the sponsors for participating in the project. "We hope this example will be [emulated] by all captains of industry," Kota said.
The two-bedroomed houses have plastered walls and sanitation.
Drieziek Extension 5
Drieziek Extension 5 is a greenfield project developed by the City. The area was once a piece of vacant land.
In 2007, a total of 11 informal settlements from greater Orange Farm were relocated to pegged stands in the suburb, with bulk infrastructure.
Johannesburg appointed contractors to build houses for the people of Drieziek Extension 5 in October 2008. The two contractors were Mabkol Projects and JR Sekwele & Associates.
To date, they have completed more than 500 houses, which have been allocated to beneficiaries.
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