In a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 in informal settlements, the Eastern Cape MEC for Human Settlements Ms Nonkqubela Pieters handed over new houses to 33 beneficiaries in Pellsrus last Saturday.

The beneficiaries were living under poor conditions in informal settlements and backyards around Jeffrey’s Bay. The houses were enrolled with NHBRC under Pellsrus 220 housing project.

Speaking at the handover, MEC Pieters said government was fulfilling its commitment to restore the dignity of the poor and vulnerable people to curb the spread of the virus.

She said the provincial human settlements will be focusing on building houses for elderly, child headed families, people living with disabilities and military veterans in this financial year.

She called on beneficiaries to adhere to the lockdown regulations in order to flatten the curve.

The department also handed over 24 newly-built houses to rural beneficiaries in Mt Ayliff.