eThekwini accelerates housing delivery for flood victims with over 1,000 homes expected by June

The eThekwini Municipality is set to provide over 1,000 housing units for flood victims by June, as part of a comprehensive housing initiative aimed at restoring dignity and stability to displaced families. 

More than 1,000 housing units are expected to be ready for occupation by June as the municipality intensifies efforts to permanently resettle residents displaced by devastating floods. Flood victims have been living temporary accommodation for several years.

During a recent oversight visit to the Cornubia Housing Development Project, eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba expressed strong confidence in the City's fast-tracked construction programme.

The visit comes as more than 113 houses are currently under construction at Cornubia, forming part of over 1,200 units earmarked specifically for flood victims.

Of the units presently underway, 103 are scheduled for completion by the end of March, with the remainder set to be finalised in the next financial year.

Beyond permanent housing, the municipality said it is also prioritising interim solutions. More than 400 Temporary Residential Units will be constructed in Cornubia to accommodate residents currently living in Temporary Emergency Accommodation sites and transit camps while permanent structures are completed.

In addition, the refurbishment of 500 units at Montclair Lodge is nearing finalisation, further boosting the City's emergency housing capacity.

“I am optimistic that by June this year, we will have more than 1,000 units available to accommodate people who are currently in temporary emergency accommodation,” said Mayor Xaba.

To prevent delays once construction is complete, the municipality is fast-tracking connections to essential services, including water, sanitation, and electricity. This coordinated infrastructure rollout is aimed at ensuring that beneficiaries can occupy their homes without unnecessary waiting periods.

Xaba described the progress at Cornubia as a significant step toward restoring dignity and stability to displaced families, noting that the project will meaningfully ease the hardships experienced by flood victims.

“The broader Cornubia Housing Project forms part of the City’s long-term human settlements strategy and caters to multiple beneficiary categories. These include social housing for rental, Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) homes, and first home finance subsidy beneficiaries.”

With a total projected yield of 25,000 units, Cornubia represents one of the municipality’s most ambitious integrated housing developments. The project also incorporates major infrastructure upgrades, including road construction to support the integrated public transport network.

In line with government’s sustainable human settlements framework, the development includes a range of social amenities such as a school, community hall, trading stalls, sports facilities, and a clinic, positioning Cornubia as a fully serviced residential node rather than a standalone housing site.

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