GEORGE NEWS - While the recent heavy rains swept through parts of George, a small group of Thembalethu residents were left looking on from nearby informal settlements - at brick homes that are nearly complete, but still out of reach, as the beneficiaries patiently await the handover.

The Thembalethu housing project, which consists of 100 units, is in its final stages, but 13 beneficiaries are still waiting to move in due to some outstanding electrification work.

According to the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, 77 units have been inspected to date, and 46 have already been handed over to approved beneficiaries.

Spokesperson Melt Botes said the project is ongoing, but several administrative and technical steps still need to be finalised before full handover can take place. "At present, nine units are awaiting occupation certificates from Building Control, while another nine have been electrified and are awaiting final inspection," he said. 

"The remaining 13 units are still awaiting electrification. The main delay has been related to electrification capacity constraints, but measures are in place to accelerate completion, including contractor assistance with trenching."

Botes said the remaining homes are in their final finishing stages, with an estimated completion target of the end of June, subject to final compliance processes.

For residents like Patricia Koloi, the wait is becoming increasingly emotional - especially as the homes they will soon occupy stand just metres away. "I feel both excited and sad when I look at my house," she said. "Excited because I know I will finally move in, but sad because I am still here in the shack, especially when it rains. It feels so close, but it's still not mine yet."

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