FOLLOWING the Department of Human Settlements’ announcement to purchase the Montclair Lodge for R33m, residents and ratepayers have raised concerns about the potential strain on the already burdened infrastructure, and possible increase in criminal activity.

Vice-chairperson of the Montwood Ratepayers Association, Heidi Geyser, said the announcement was made abruptly without consultations with residents.

“Many residents go without electricity or water for four to five days before the issue is resolved. Sewage problems are left unattended and water pipes burst regularly. The infrastructure in the area simply cannot cope,” said Geyser.

Also read: Seven months on still no homes for displaced flood victims

Geyser said the building was not built to accommodate so many people and it’s not being maintained.

“It’s already deteriorating, and with more people moving in, it will undoubtedly collapse. We were led to believe this was not going to take place, yet we all see this in the news. We are shocked. Crime is going to increase, more so with those needing food and so on,” she said.

She said the R33m could have been used to replace the ageing infrastructure, install new pipelines and address pollution issues in the area.

“It is devastating that no one informed us. As we would have raised objections. We have previously assisted flood victims at the Yellowwood Park Civic Centre by providing food, clothing, beds and other essentials.

“When we provided gas stoves so they could cook their own meals, they ended up damaging the civic centre, and we struggled to get them relocated. Crime increased, there were riots, and it became a serious problem. Now areas like Woodlands and Montclair face the same risk,” Geyser added.

The department purchased the facility from Transnet for R33m, with the transfer completed on May 31.

The building is managed by the Housing Development Agency on behalf of the KZN Department of Human Settlements and boasts 268 rooms with a bed capacity of 600.

Also read: WATCH: Flood victims relocate to new home for Christmas

It is anticipated that some flood victims will take occupation of the lodge during December 2025 or January 2026.

The displaced flood victims are currently being accommodated at a temporary shelter in Umbilo until the Montclair Lodge is ready for occupation.

An engineer will be appointed to determine the scope of work

The KZN MEC for Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said a professional engineer will be appointed before the end of July to do a basic assessment.

The engineer will determine the scope of work for the refurbishment.

“The contractor will be appointed immediately upon receipt of the basic assessment. A minimum of R35m will be set aside for the refurbishment, while R4.2m has been made available for the basic assessment. Our plan is to ensure that we are ready for heavy rainfall and flooding associated with the summer season.

“This milestone of a government-owned transitional emergency accommodation will drastically reduce the rent paid to privately-owned transitional emergency accommodations. We will do the inspection of this lodge with you after this briefing,” said Duma.

Duma said in eThekwini the department has accommodated more than 4000 people since 2022 in Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEAs).

“Critically, in our meeting with the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, and the Mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba, we have agreed to review the Temporary Emergency Accommodation Policy. This will help us avoid the repeat of the similar situation faced by the flood victims at Bayside Hotel,” Duma added.

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