A TOTAL of 137 newly completed accommodation units at the Montclair Lodge will be ready for occupation this weekend.

This emerged during an oversight visit on June 24 where eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba reiterated the call that the units will be used as temporary housing for flood victims.

The units will be handed over to flood victims currently residing in temporary accommodation on Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Also read: R33m Montclair Lodge deal sparks concerns over infrastructure

Following the inspection, Xaba expressed satisfaction with the quality of workmanship and officially declared the units ready for occupation.

The completion of the units marks a significant milestone in the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to provide safe, dignified and sustainable accommodation for residents displaced by natural disasters.

Once completed, the Montclair Lodge development will provide a total of 600 accommodation units. 

By the end of July, the contractor is expected to have completed 309 units, further expanding the City’s emergency accommodation capacity.

Temporary relief housing for disaster-affected families

The government-owned facility will serve as temporary emergency accommodation for disaster-affected residents while they await permanent housing.

Also read: Renewed hope for KZN flood victims

Xaba welcomed the completion of the first phase of the project, noting that it demonstrates the Municipality’s commitment to delivering practical and cost-effective solutions for vulnerable communities.

“I visited this site in March this year, and the contractor made a commitment to complete these units by the end of June. I am pleased that the work has been delivered as promised. This facility will save government significant amounts of taxpayers’ money, as we will no longer have to accommodate disaster victims in rented facilities,” said Xaba.

The project, which is being implemented in two phases, represents an investment of more than R20m. 

Xaba also expressed appreciation to the national and provincial Departments of Human Settlements for their continued partnership with the municipality in advancing sustainable housing solutions for disaster-affected residents.

Ward 64 councillor welcomes progress made at the lodge

Ward 64 councillor Norman Gilbert said, “The mayor also confirmed that Montclair Lodge will serve as a temporary facility while permanent housing solutions are finalised. Displaced families are scheduled to be relocated to their permanent homes in December and June next year.

“It is encouraging to see progress being made and tangible support being provided to families as we continue working towards long-term housing solutions.”

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