About 150 beneficiaries of the People’s Housing Project (PHP) will soon move to their houses in Musina Extension 9.

The concept of PHP was championed by former state president Nelson Mandela with the aim of providing labour to local people while at the same time addressing the housing backlogs.

Songs of joy were the order of the day last week as the beneficiaries signed legal documents, so that the houses could be registered in their names. They will soon be issued with deeds of grants, a step that will fill them with joy since they will have proof that they are the rightful owners of the houses.

Municipal spokesperson Wilson Dzebu said the contractors were busy installing water facilities and the sewage system to pave the way for beneficiaries to have access to their houses as soon as possible. He added: "Together with different stakeholders, we are doing our best to make sure that our people get services at their doorstep. The legal registration process clearly indicates that we are serious about clean administration and good governance. We are doing our best to make sure that our people are fully serviced and no stone is left unturned until we win the war against underdevelopment, poverty and unemployment."

Meanwhile, Dzebu indicated that construction of the 865 housing units is at advanced stage. "Most of the houses are complete although there are some still under construction and others that still need some final touches. This is one of the massive projects in the country and we are proud that we are slowly gaining momentum in giving shelter to our people."