MEC launches Community Builders Programme in Tamboville

Gauteng's MEC for housing, Nomvula Mokonyane in partnership with Ekurhuleni Municipality launched the Community Builders Programme (CBP) in Tamboville, Ekurhuleni on Sunday.

This programme is part of the Department of Housing strategy to accelerate the delivery of houses by engaging members of the community in the construction of their own houses. Most importantly the programme also promotes the principle of active community participation.

This ground-breaking initiative also coincided with the celebrations of the O.R Tambo Month by the department. Ms Mokonyane said O.R. traveled the world over to ensure that South Africa becomes what it is today, a symbol of democracy. "O.R Tambo is actually the driver of this democracy that we have today", she added.

The Tamboville project consists of the construction of 1 070 top structures and is divided into two phases. Phase one provides for 300 stands while phase two will cater for the remaining stands.

One of the beneficiaries Elisa Thulo (78) who lived with her late sister was elated that now she is a home owner. "I thank God for all of this and I never thought I could build it myself, of course with the help of the community", said the energetic granny.

CBP makes use of the consolidation subsidy meaning that the sites have been serviced and the title deeds have been issued to the rightful owners. The project will benefit the community by creating jobs because they will be the ones building their own houses as opposed to waiting for a construction company.

So far a Housing Support Centre, 54 houses and 300 foundations have been completed. The department has set aside R4 538 310 .00 million to the project for this financial year.