Ngqushwa Local Municipality has engaged residents and traditional leaders in Mpekweni over concerns surrounding the ongoing Mpekweni 500 Housing Project.
The engagement was held at the Dabi Traditional Council and was attended by Ngqushwa Local Municipality Mayor Sanga Maneli, Ward 11 Councillor Phumlile Nkulwana, Councillor Nomhle Seti, municipal officials and officials from the Department of Human Settlements.
The Traditional Authority, led by Chief Zola Njokweni, also participated in the engagement, which provided community members with an opportunity to raise concerns and seek clarity on the housing project.
The municipality confirmed that construction has officially started, with the first 100 houses currently under construction in Hamburg.
Beneficiary numbers discussed
A major focus of the engagement was the number of beneficiaries identified for the project.
Mayor Maneli explained that the municipality had made efforts to reach the required number of beneficiaries. Hamburg, Gcinisa and Mpekweni were initially given an opportunity to submit applications.
The application process was later extended to allow additional community members to apply. However, the number of applications remained below the required target.
The municipality then consulted neighbouring villages and allowed residents from those areas to apply. Mgababa was among the villages considered during this process.
Ward 11 Councillor Phumlile Nkulwana read out the Mpekweni 500 beneficiary list during the meeting, while Human Settlements official Unathi Phambo consolidated and verified the numbers.
Municipality warns against project delays
Phambo also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the housing project continues without unnecessary delays.
He explained that government funding is allocated to address identified community needs and that prolonged delays in implementing projects could put funding at risk.
According to Phambo, funding may be withdrawn and redirected to other areas where there is an immediate need if projects do not progress as expected.
The engagement concluded with a question-and-answer session, giving community members an opportunity to directly raise their concerns with the Mayor, councillors and officials.
Issues discussed included the beneficiary list, the number of applicants, the construction process and the implementation of the Mpekweni 500 Housing Project.
The Dabi Traditional Council expressed its appreciation for the report presented by the municipality and for the participation of the various stakeholders.
ECNews Live | Eastern Cape
