Flood victims: progress made on housing

THE KwaZulu-Natal government has announced progress in securing permanent housing for families displaced by the devastating April 2022 floods.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

Human Settlements MEC Sboniso Duma confirmed that seven parcels of land have been rezoned for housing, with bulk infrastructure developments under way.

The province currently accommodates 1069 families in hotels and rented facilities under the Transitional Emergency Accommodation programme, including 41 families displaced by the February floods in Lamontville.

"We are currently speeding up the provision of bulk infrastructure (water and electricity) in order to ensure that we build decent houses," Duma said.

The Shallcross area has been identified as one of the relocation sites, but tensions have arisen with residents over the choice of land. The government is in discussions with the Shallcross Ratepayers Association to address concerns.

"In KwaZulu-Natal, we need to eradicate the 'Not in My Backyard Syndrome," said Duma. "This attitude has no place in a democratic society built on the foundation of the rainbow nation and the spirit of ubuntu."