By Nangamso Mabindla
22 June 2004

CONSTRUCTION has started on houses for 1 200 families in the Nompumelelo informal settlement in Beacon Bay, East London.

Earlier this year the Buffalo City municipality moved families - some that had been in the informal settlement for a decade - so roads could be widened and pipes laid for proper sanitation.

The municipal project, supported by the provincial Department of Housing and Local Government, will provide permanent structures for families in the settlement. Work on the houses started in early June.

Two types of development are taking place at Nompumelelo: an infrastructural upgrade carried out by service contractors and the construction of the houses by building contractors.

Lindelwa Maneli, from the City's directorate of development planning, said the service contractors were in the third phase of development.

"The service contractors are now looking at things like putting structures in place for proper sanitation and are also upgrading the infrastructure. As a result we've already created roads for a smooth flow of traffic here," Maneli said.

The upgrading of the infrastructure was expected to be complete by the end of the year.

"The building construction, on the other hand, is still in its first phase. Contractors started work at the beginning of the month," Maneli said.

"Houses are already being built and the community is enthusiastic at the prospect of individuals owning their own houses."

Maneli said it was important that service contractors worked ahead of the building contractors.

"The service contractors make sure everything is in place and gives the go-ahead to the building contractors to build houses."

Construction of the houses is expected to be complete by June next year.

She said the people of Nompumelelo were to be commended for co-operating.

"They have made our job easier by relocating to temporary accommodation without any hassles," Maneli said.

"It's good to see that the people are willing to work with us."