Minister of Human Settlements Mmamoloko Kubayi, KwaZulu-Natal MEC Siboniso Duma, and eThekwini Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba will launch the Pilgrim X informal settlements upgrading project on Thursday, 31 October 2024.

Pilgrim X is a community of 392 informal structures and 500 households, strategically located near economic opportunities, schools, healthcare, and other essential social amenities, helping to address apartheid-era spatial planning disparities.

The upgraded project will yield 404 housing units with metered water, electricity, and sanitation, as well as social amenities such as parks, early childhood development sites, and places of worship.

This initiative is funded by the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG) and the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG), a collaborative effort between national and provincial Human Settlements departments and eThekwini Metropolitan municipality.

The project prioritizes in-situ upgrading, improving existing settlements without relocation, and providing permanent engineering services and secure tenure.

eThekwini has made notable strides in upgrading informal settlements, having utilized a substantial portion of its allocated budgets for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.

In addition to the launch, Minister Kubayi will engage with women in the built environment to discuss economic empowerment opportunities, aligning with global initiatives promoting women's economic participation and sustainable development.

*Details are as follows:*

Date :Thursday, 31 October 2024
Time : 09h00
Venue :Open Field, Pilgrim X, Ward 90, Isiphingo, eThekwini

*For media Enquiries, contact:* Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Minister on 082 338 6707 / Terrence.manase@dhs.gov.za or DHS Head of Communications Nozipho Zulu on 078 457 9376 / Nozipho.zulu@dhs.gov.za / Ndabezihle Sibiya, Spokesperson to the MEC on 082 375 4742

Issued by the Ministry of Human Settlements, Govan Mbeki House 240, Justice Mahomed Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria