Offices of the KwaDabeka Housing Department

KwaDabeka Sub 16 is a small community suited in the far end of KwaDabeka, an area largely populated with RDP low-cost housing, which were heavily affected by the floods that wreaked havoc across the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

KwaDabeka resident, Warren Mdumiseni Mkhize (74) who lives with a disability, due a stroke he suffered years ago, says his house his RDP was  ravaged by fire in August 2019, after his DB board exploded which led to the whole house catching fire. The neighbors in the community helped put out the fire.  Sadly, Mkhize’s home was yet again hit, this time by floods, he lives alone, in his partially burnt and now flooded RDP home, without electricity and water for three years now.

Speaking to Iziko, Mkhize said living with a disability, has been difficult however living in the delipidated house had been harder.

” I have no one to help me in these difficult times, I tried to ask for help from our previous councilor, who recently passed away but empty promises were made to me. It has been three years staying in these hush conditions,” cried Mkhize.

According to the newly selected Councilor Desmond Hlongwa, the residents plight has been noted and Mkhize’s RDP house will be rebuilt with water and electricity installed.

“My team and I went to visit Mr. Warren Mdumiseni Mkhize to see the state of his burnt and flooded RDP house, so I can make arrangements as his Councilor to help him. As a disabled person myself I could see that those are not the conditions a disabled person should live in. I contacted the Department of Housing for them to come and inspect the state of the house so that we can know whether we are fixing or rebuilding the RDP house for Mr. Mkhize.

An official from the Department of Housing, Chris Mahlasela confirmed that as a department they had been to inspect Mkhize’s RDP house and were in the process of rebuilding Mkhize a new RDP house with water and electricity.

Sinegugu Mngadi