Government Struggles to Eradicate Mud Houses

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The Department of Human Settlements continues its mission to eliminate mud houses in eMkhondo, Bushbuckridge, and Chief Albert Luthuli local municipalities.

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However, complete eradication remains challenging, as many residents resist demolishing their mud homes even after receiving RDP houses from the government.

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“With this initiative, we aim to provide safer, more dignified housing,” said department spokesperson Freddy Ngobe. “But many mud houses remain in use as extra rooms or kitchens. Additionally, budget constraints limit our efforts.”

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Amos Mkhwanazi, 82, from Ezinkomeni Village in eMkhondo, received a newly built house in December after his mud dwelling was demolished.

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Ngobe reported that over 7,000 mud houses exist across the province, concentrated in Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, eMkhondo, Thembisile Hani, and Chief Albert Luthuli. The department plans to replace 261 of them in the 2024/25 financial year.

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By the end of the third quarter, 210 mud houses had been replaced—180 in eMkhondo, 17 in Chief Albert Luthuli, and 13 in Bushbuckridge.

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“The government remains committed to providing decent housing,” Ngobe emphasized. “For 2024/25, the target is 2,342 RDP houses. By December 31, 2024, only 1,104 had been completed—47% of the annual goal. Contractors must accelerate efforts to meet targets by year-end.”

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Despite challenges, the government continues working toward safer, more habitable communities.

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