CALA– The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements MEC Siphokazi Lusithi has officially handed over 20 newly built houses to vulnerable families in Cala under the Sakhisizwe Local Municipality.
The handover, which took place on Monday forms part of ongoing efforts to address housing challenges in rural communities and restore dignity to disadvantaged households.
Speaking at the event, MEC Lusithi emphasised that the initiative goes beyond providing shelter. “We are not just delivering brick and mortar; we are building safe spaces for our children protecting the most vulnerable and restoring the dignity of our people,” she said.
She added that the department remains committed to ensuring that child-headed households and rural communities are prioritised in housing delivery programmes.
One of the beneficiaries, 18-year-old Endinako Mayongo received a home along with her younger siblings after years of living in a mud structure.
The family had been under the care of their aunt following the passing of their mother, Thuliswa Mayongo, in December 2021.
Furthmore, Nodumo Mayongo who has been caring for the children, expressed gratitude for the new home. “For years we lived in difficult conditions after losing our mother. Today feels like a dream this house means safety and dignity for us,” she said.
In addition the 20 houses handed over are part of the broader Cala 1284 Rural Housing Project, which targets vulnerable households across 21 villages in the municipality. The project is nearing completion, with only 47 units still to be constructed this year.
Once finalised, the initiative will deliver a total of 1,284 houses, significantly improving living conditions and access to adequate housing for hundreds of families in the area.
The project is implemented by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements as part of its mandate to provide sustainable human settlements across the province.
Photographs: EC Department of Human Settlements
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