Montclair residents oppose relocation of flood victims
MEC for Public Works Martin Meyer is expected to meet the community on August 18 at Montclair Recreational Hall.
THE Montwood Ratepayers Association has called on the public to unite and oppose a decision taken by the Human Settlements Department to house flood victims at the Montclair Lodge.
Also read: Seven months on still no homes for displaced flood victims
In a recent announcement, the association expressed concerns about the deteriorating infrastructure and ongoing sewage issues, warning that accommodating the evicted flood victims at the lodge would further strain service delivery.
On Monday, August 18, MEC for Public Works, Martin Meyer, accompanied by the leadership of the DA will hold a community meeting at Montclair Recreational Hall to engage the residents.
Deputy chairperson of the Montwood Ratepayers Association Heidi Geyser said, “It is crucial that we all unite so that the government will see that the area cannot accommodate more people.”
She said a meeting will afford residents the opportunity to fight for their rights regarding the Montclair Lodge that will be housing over 600 flood victims.
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She added, “We are fighting for water and electricity and especially the sewage problems all around us. Why did they not address the community first? Why not use that money to fix, repair and replace our infrastructure? We should have been given these opportunities before. We all need to stand together for the greater good of our children.
The department purchased the facility from Transnet for R33m, with the transfer completed on May 31.
The building is managed by Housing Development Agency on behalf of the KZN Department of Human Settlements.
It is anticipated that some flood victims will take occupation in 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.
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