Traditional leaders tapped for housing land for flood victims
In response to recent flood disasters that left thousands homeless, the eThekwini Municipality and KZN Department of Human Settlements met with traditional leaders to find long-term housing solutions.
FOLLOWING flood disasters in recent years that have left many people across the province homeless the eThekwini Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements met with traditional leaders on April 7 to discuss potential solutions.
Many victims, particularly in areas like KwaMakhutha, Felekisi, Folweni, Umgababa, and Lovu, are still waiting for promised permanent housing due to a critical shortage of suitable land.
Also read: eThekwini tackles rising flood risks
In a bid to find land in semi-urban areas for housing, MEC for Human Settlements Siboniso Duma emphasised collaboration between urban and traditional authorities to ensure fair housing access without sidelining semi-urban communities.
Infrastructure repairs, such as the stalled P197 road in Umgababa, damaged by a 2022 sinkhole, were also discussed. EThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba said the city is adopting a “Build Back Better” approach to create more resilient infrastructure.
Following the local engagement, Durban hosted the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting from April 8–11. Delegates from 20 countries shared strategies on disaster preparedness. UN disaster risk expert Sarah Houghton praised eThekwini’s efforts and stressed the importance of global co-operation and investment in early warning systems for vulnerable areas.
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