Flood-affected families in eThekwini Municipality who have spent years in temporary emergency accommodation may soon be relocated to permanent homes as the city rolls out a large-scale housing programme.
The municipality says nearly 1,200 houses will be delivered through the Cornubia Housing Development Project to assist residents displaced by recurring floods since 2022.
Thousands of people were forced from their homes during successive weather-related disasters and have since remained in temporary shelters while awaiting permanent solutions.
According to the city, construction on more than 100 houses is nearing completion, with the units expected to be ready for occupation next month. A further 500 units at Montclair Lodge are currently being refurbished to accommodate affected families.
Mayor Cyril Xaba said the municipality aims to make more than 1,000 housing units available for flood victims by June.
“To accelerate relocation into family-friendly structures, we’ve agreed with the Provincial and National Departments of Human Settlements that while permanent construction continues, we’ll also build 400 temporary residential units to accommodate residents currently living in temporary emergency accommodation,” Xaba said.
He added that the city is fast-tracking the installation of essential services, including water, sanitation and electricity, to ensure the homes are ready for occupation.
Officials say the Cornubia development is expected to provide long-term relief not only to flood victims but also to residents currently living in transit camps, offering what many hope will finally be a move from makeshift shelters to stable housing.