Human Settlements Dept relocates 56 families whose homes were destroyed in Umlazi, Durban
Since 2022, a section of the area has battled with the collapse of several houses due to weather-related disasters.
DURBAN - The Human Settlements Ministry has resolved to relocate the 56 families whose homes were destroyed by inclement weather in Umlazi, south of Durban.
Since 2022, a section of the area has battled with the collapse of several houses due to weather-related disasters.
Human Settlements officials and other stakeholders, including the National Home Builders' Registration Council, conducted an oversight in the area on Wednesday.
The Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, explained: “The houses were unfortunately built at the riverbank, and as more inclement weather patterns come down, we will experience erosion and movements.”
She adds that relocation is the only solution.
“The intention of you very well, if the department wants to invest and assist, is relocation because you can never predict rain, when and how it will come.”
The first group will be moved to temporary residential units on Thursday.
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS TO AID LAMONTVILLE RESIDENTS
At the same time, the Human Settlements Ministry says plans to build better housing for the Lamontville flood victims are advanced, citing that the government has secured land to build the new homes.
Two months ago, six people were killed by floods in the area when heavy rains damaged parts of the province.
Residents in the area had to be relocated to community shelters and temporary shelters.
Speaking on the plight of Lamontville resident, she said: “Town planning has been concluded there, the city has secured the land it is about a 1,000 plus households ultimately not in one day, and it covers the people who are going to be coming from Lamontville as well including those are close to the area which people will be relocated to.”