Elation as 12 KwaXimba families receive new homes
Emotions ran high during a house handover that saw 12 homes handed over to deserving families. Ten of the recipients are part of the final phase of the KwaXimba Housing Project, bringing the total number of completed homes in Phase One to 2 000. Two additional families, who were displaced by natural disasters, also received homes on the day.
The Mkhize family, comprising of a grandmother, her daughter, and three grandchildren, were overcome with emotion when they received the keys to their new home. The family previously lived in a mud house, which had been severely damaged during natural disasters. Ngenzeni Mkhize, 42, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed their gratitude.
''We are over the moon and will never forget this day. We've received more than we could have imagined. Even the retaining will ensure our safety during natural disasters. This moment has changed our lives. Thank you to a government that cares about its people,'' she said. In another heartwarming moment, 73 year-old Dudu Ndlovu also became emotional when she saw her home. She also received a Boxer store voucher. ''This moment does feel real, I asked several times if it is a prank because it is a dream come true. Thank you everyone, may God bless you all!'' said an emotional Ndlovu. Officiating the handover was Ward 1 Councillor Thembo Ntuli, who is also the Chair of the City's Economic Development and Planning Committee. He facilitated the handover alongside representatives from the Municipality's Human Settlements Unit and the Economic Development and Planning Committee. In a gesture of further support, all beneficiaries received grocery packages, with some also given vouchers to Boxer stores. Each of the newly constructed houses have two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a sitting area. They are also equipped with electricity, and some homes also had retaining walls built after the property was assessed. This will prevent damage in the future from natural disasters.
Councillor Ntuli said the handover supports eThekwini Municipality's vision of becoming Africa's most caring and liveable city by 2030. ''The completion of the final 10 homes in Phase One of the KwaXimba Housing Project is a significant milestone,'' said Councillor Ntuli.
''Now, our focus will shift to Phase Two, which will see the construction of 4 000 more homes. We remain committed to improving the lives of residents and ensuring sustainable growth in communities.''
The success of this project demonstrates eThekwini Municipality's dedication to not only addressing housing needs but also building stronger, more resilient communities for future generations.
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Simplified Customer bill
THE City's Revenue Management Unit has made some changes to the face of the standard Municipal bill to ensure the document is simplified. Head of the Unit Lihle Ndzelu said the change was necessary and will assist customers. ''After taking into consideration customers difficulties understanding their monthly charges, the Municipality has worked to improve its statements.''
The consolidated total will remain as the opening balance; however, the major change is that all charges are listed on Page 1. Property, rates, water, electricity, sewerage, refuse and others, appears on the first page so the customer does not have to flip through pages 2 and 3 to check the total charge. Pages 2 and 3 will still provide the customer with a detailed analysis for each service charge. With the Debt Relief Programme concluding in December 2024, customers that have made payment arrangements will be reminded of this on the first page as well. It will reflect as ''Credit Authority Agreement'' and will stipulate the instalment as well.
Customers are to note that if they have registered for the Debt Relief Programme or made a payment arrangement, the full required instalment must be paid to prevent the account falling back into arrears.
Account holders are also encouraged to register on the e-Services platform so they may receive their bills online. they can make payment from the portal.
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Kings Park Pool gets facelift
THE City's prominent Kings Park Pool is undergoing a much-needed revamp. This is after the Municipality allocated R42 million to rehabilitate the facility to provide it with a more aesthetically pleasing look.
The revamp is already underway and is part of the City's maintenance programme for all its swimming venues.
The Pool consists of both indoor and outdoor facilities.
The indoor facility has a 50 metre swimming pool while the outdoor pool has a diving pool that is 25m length and 6.5m deep.
Acting Head of the Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Unit Dr Zakhi Mkhize said the facility is the only swimming facility in South Africa that has a FINA (International Swimming Federation) status recognised by the International Olympic Committee for administering international competition in water.
She said it was important for the City to upgrade the Pool as it is the home of international and local championships. She said the financial allocation will make substantial improvements to the facility.
''The current rehabilitation focuses on restoring the damaged infrastructure caused by winds last year.
The City then decided to add an element of an upgrade to meet the standard of the facility,'' said Mkhize.
The rehabilitation will include the replacement of lighting and glass windows, non-slip coating of stairs and paving, revamping of the walkway structure including handrails, a total revamp of the canteen area, the plastering and painting of the structure, and the installation of new signage, a scoreboard and diving boards.
Kings Park Pool has hosted local, national and international events such as the FINA World Championships in 2006, FINA Paralympics in 2014, the World Olympic Qualifiers 2011 and 2016, Common World Games in 2022, BRICS Games 2023 and the World Short Course Qualifiers 2024 among others. It has also produced competitive athletes that have accomplished international records such as Penny Heyns, Chad Ho, Terence Parkin, Roland Schoeman, and Natalie Du Toit.
Swimmers will soon enjoy the rehabilitated Kings Park Pool which was closed in November to allow for the renovations. Repairs will take about four months; weather permitting and are expected to complete by the end of April.
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