Residents of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality’s Ward 12 (Nkomponi) may soon see relief from long-standing housing challenges as plans move forward for a new housing development project aimed at replacing temporary fibreglass structures which has served as accommodation for these residents for the past 30 years.
Ward 12 Councillor Dumisani Ntyabontyi said the proposed development is expected to benefit residents of Emivundleni, Nkomponi, Mtsotso East, Mtsotso South and surrounding areas, many of whom have lived in informal accommodation for years.
Ward 12 includes Mdantsane NU 1 to NU 7, Smiling Valley, Nahoon Dam, Eureka, Silver Town and Cuba.
According to Councillor Ntyabontyi, the planned housing development will be situated in the Gqozo Village area. He explained that preliminary work is currently focused on assessing existing infrastructure such as water supply systems, sewer networks and stormwater drainage.
Thozamile Marwayi, a consultant from HMC Consultants, confirmed that the project is still in its early developmental stages.
“We are in the developmental stage of the project and preparing for the work ahead. Our process includes investigating existing services, providing a report to the municipality, and submitting quotations for services that are not yet in place,” said Marwayi.
Ntyabontyi further revealed that areas including Nkomponi, Khayalethu and Masizakhe have already reached the pegging stage, marking progress towards implementation.
Apart from housing developments, the ward has also introduced employment initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods within the community.
Around 30 residents are currently employed through a solid waste management project under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The six-month programme, launched in October 2025, focuses on clearing illegal dumping sites and overgrown vegetation throughout the ward.
Councillor Ntyabontyi said the initiative has been positively received by residents, with workers earning a monthly stipend of R3,000.
“The programme is helping households meet basic needs while also providing temporary employment and work experience,” he said.
Additional EPWP projects currently underway in the ward include road maintenance, pothole repairs, stormwater drainage work and gutter cleaning. These projects are expected to continue for up to a year.
Despite the progress, Ward 12 still faces challenges related to illegal occupation and vandalism of RDP houses.
Ntyabontyi pointed to a long-standing dispute linked to housing allocation irregularities in Velwano, which resulted in ownership conflicts within the community.
However, ward leadership believes that the planned housing development and ongoing public works programmes remain important steps towards improving living conditions and strengthening economic opportunities for residents
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