The neighbours of the newly handed-over Ebeneezer Houses hugged, laughed, and posed for pictures with one another while accepting their houses. 

The houses were handed over by Bitou Executive Mayor, Councillor Claude Terblanche, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Nokuzola Kolwapi. 

The Ebenezer Housing Project is one of Bitou's legacy projects, aiming to deliver 1600 mixed housing opportunities. 

In addition to providing much-needed housing solutions, this project will also generate employment opportunities and subcontracting opportunities, further contributing to the socio-economic development of our municipality.

On Friday, six emotional residents received their houses. 

Councillor Terblanche and Councillor Kolwapi both beamed with joy at the handover.

Councillor Terblanche said: “I have seen how you guys were patient- you deserve these houses.”

“Your keys are not just a home, but it means you have property in your name and your kids can rest assured where you live with people in uncomfortable spaces,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Councillor Kolwapi reminded the residents that the houses were a right which also comes with a responsibility. 

“As we hand over the houses, we expect that you keep them well, extend them and most importantly pay your rates so that the municipality can fix water leaks, burst pipes and roads.”

“Enjoy this right,” councillor Kolwapi added. 

53-year-old Sharon Jonkerman who had been on the waiting list for nearly 20 years said: "Ek voel so excited, ek het altyd gese ek gaan my eie huis kry ,my eie greys huis en hier is my huis.Die here het voorsien en ek wil ook net dankie se vir Claude vir alles wat hy vir ons gedoen het ,hy het geveg vir ons". 

Another resident, Therisa Langisa ,52, said : "Ek voel baie bly en ek wil net vir die here se dankie,ek het lank gewag en die here het dit vandag moontlik gemaak ,ek kan niemand anders die huur gee nie.

“Ek is bly in my hart vir more en vandag kan ek se ek is n eienaar van my eie huis.”