Renewed hope for KZN flood victims
The total number of 104 families will move into Montclair Lodge in Ward 64 which was previously owned by Transnet.
THE first group of victims displaced during the 2022 floods will be relocated to the refurbished Montclair Lodge next month.
The total number of 104 families will move into the lodge in Ward 64 which was previously owned by Transnet. However, in February, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba announced that the first 500 residents will occupy the building in June.
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The initiative is part of the KZN government’s efforts to bridge a gap between the poor and vulnerable communities.
However the relocation of the flood victims has been met with criticism from some members of the public.
The Department of Human Settlements bought the facility from Transnet for R33m in a bid to use it as a shelter for displaced families.
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MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said eThekwini has accommodated more than 4000 families since 2022 in rented flats known as Transitional Emergency Accommodation (TEAs).
“This follows the closure of all community halls that accommodated flood victims. The current rental burden for TEAs is R128m every 12 months. However, we wish to announce that with the three interventions being strengthened, we are going to save R66m. All TEAs outside eThekwini have been closed, with victims now living in their permanent houses. Importantly, we will no longer accommodate victims of floods in privately owned TEAs,” said Duma.
Together with the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Cyril Xaba, Duma expressed appreciation to the national minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, for the support.
Duma said the Departments of Health, Social Development, and Education are working together to ensure that these relocations proceed smoothly, with services adjusted accordingly.
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