Delays in homeless shelter project irks North Beach residents
North Beach residents have expressed frustration after learning the relocation of the Covid Shelter has been delayed until early 2027.
IT has come to the North Beach residents’ attention that the so-called Covid Shelter is not to be decommissioned anytime soon. This is despite the municipality reporting last year that the Sakhithemba homeless shelter south of Durban was 70% complete and should be in operation in December 2025.
Last year the residents and ratepayers reported witnessing a deteriorating state of the dwelling daily, posing threats of criminal activities, open fires and unwarranted foot traffic.
Over 200 shelter dwellers were to be relocated to Sakhithemba. To the community’s surprise, Mayor Cyril Xaba, on his oversight visit to Sakhithemba on Tuesday, revealed that the Illovu-based shelter would be ready in “early 2027”.
“Delaying the relocation of shelter dwellers and removal of the unsightly tents is a disaster. We continue to see unbecoming behaviour from these tents. We were hopeful that the decommissioning would take place soon, as promised. As things stand, we doubt the settlement will ever be out of our sight,” said Mohan Ludisck, a resident and ratepayer of a Somtseu Road flat.
“Phase 1 of the shelter has been completed and consists of additions and alterations to existing admin block, a new guardhouse, a new multi-purpose centre, new driveway and parking, earthworks and retaining walls.
Also read: Derelict Covid shelter an eyesore, threatens tourism, property values
“Currently, Phase 2 is under construction and will have two new sleeping blocks, ablutions and shower block and sewer treatment plant. The project is anticipated to reach its overall final completion stage in early 2027,” Xaba said.
He clarified that the project was initially designed as a 400-bed facility. However, in response to the growing demand for expanded shelter services and strengthened social intervention programmes, the scope of the project was expanded to increase its capacity to 800 beds.
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