(The Post News)– The Department of Human Settlements has promised to find permanent housing solutions for the people of KwaZulu-Natal that were affected by heavy rains and flooding last week. Minister Thembi Simelane and MEC Sibusiso Duma had a site visit to flood-affected areas on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The extreme weather conditions caused some of the KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, families to evacuate their homes, and it has been reported that they are blaming blockages from property developers that are dumping soil near the stream. “When the city did not apply bylaws, it also didn’t come to rehabilitate the land, because they could have done that as well. Yes, it is next to a stream, but it is possible that we are in a situation in which we are,” Simelane said.
The department announced that homes will be built in Cournubia, Hammarsdale, and Shallcross despite some of the residents resistance. “Temporary shelters must not be allowed to become permanent homes,” Simelane said.
According to the provincial Department of Human Settlements, the rising floodwaters combined with illegal dumping that blocked the drainage system caused three nearby houses to be completely submerged in water. “About six Mncube family members were forced to flee and have been living together in a two-bed house,” the department stated.
The department revealed that about 225 from ward 74 Lamontville have already been accommodated at Impala Hotel and promised that about “229 families will have permanent homes built for them in a land that belongs to eThekwini Municipality in Georgedale, near Hammarsdale.”
The department also said that excavators are already clearing rubble and waste to unblock the drainage system, adding that they have engaged with the local chief, Inkosi Makhanya, to provide a suitable land for the relocation of affected families.
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