LAND that has been transformed from a dangerous floodplain into a habitable area has been handed over to the community of Duncan Village.

Buffalo City together with its international counterpart, the Dutch city of Leiden, gave the land to the jubilant community on Thursday, 17 June.

The handover was influenced by the good work that the people of Duncan Village have done to the site since it was initially recognised as a place of hope and dreams for the community.

Over the years, the municipality and Leiden, its sister city, have restored the floodplain in Duncan Village, where over 300 people have been affected. Six people died on the floodplain during the 2002 floods. Once used as an illegal dumping site, with funding of R1-million from Leiden, the area has been restored for the community's use.

Transformation of the river embankment started in 2008, with the hope of creating a conducive and habitable environment for the people living along the river. Representatives from Leiden and officials from Buffalo City agreed they would construct a football field and netball court. Already these two facilities are used by the community. There is also a children's entertainment corner with a jungle gym.

The floodplain will also be used as a tourist attraction. There is a plaque dedicated to those who died and were affected during the floods, and a container has been placed at the entrance of the floodplain that will serve as an information kiosk.

A bridge has also been built for residents to cross the Mzonyana River safely.

Speaking at the handover function in Duncan Village, the acting executive mayor, Nomiki Mgezi, said: "The City is happy that Leiden has lived up to our expectations in more than one way. Your direct involvement with local communities has led to several projects mushrooming over the years, projects that have left a lasting legacy of beneficial friendship between Buffalo City and Leiden."

Responding to Mgezi's speech, the Dutch deputy ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Pellegrom, said Leiden was delighted to have worked with Buffalo City over the years. The relationship between the two cities had been strengthened by the projects that were happening in Buffalo City.