Title deeds transferal nears completion
Lilly Pillay worked for decades to secure funding and sponsorship for her temples on Lobatium Street.
HAVING waited 28 years for the title deed to a religious site in Brackenham, pensioner Lilly Pillay was overcome with emotion when she was handed the official document along with a group of Aquadene and Brackenham home owners.
Pillay worked for decades to secure funding and sponsorship for her temples on Lobatium Street and could not wait for the day to officially take ownership of the properties.
The continuing home transfers in the suburbs, which is nearing its completion process, are part of the enhanced extended discount benefit scheme (EEDBS) that made provisions for pensioners, disability grant earners and people who earn less than R3 500, by granting them a full discount and write-off of outstanding arrears on their homes.
Ward Cllr AS Dawood encouraged homeowners to keep their documents safe and to avoid creating additional debt by attaching their properties for loans.
‘This is a freehold asset. Be careful where you store it and do not make foolish decisions. Rather ensure the right decisions are made out in your wills.
‘There have been situations where parents gave their properties to children and it went wrong and they found themselves with no place to go.
‘Thanks to the hard work, dedication and commitment of Department of Human Settlement official Leslie Joseph, residents have the title deeds to their houses and have security for themselves,’ said Dawood.
Joseph highlighted that there were about 82 transfers left and 30 had been lodged.
He said the remaining 50 residents must visit his office in Brackenham urgently to finalise the process.
Long wait over
Another religious organisation, New Life Church in Brackenham also celebrated a milestone after receiving their title deeds last Sunday.
Joseph handed over the document to the congregation during the celebration service which was attended by local councillors, ward committee members and community workers.
Joseph said for 28 years, people had struggled to secure the tenure of their deeds and during the past six years 95.7% had been delivered.
New Life Church senior pastor – Daniel Munsami said receiving the title deed for the property was one of the greatest milestones in the history of the church.
