President Cyril Ramaphosa says 460 permanent homes should be completed at Cornubia in KwaZulu-Natal by mid-2027, as government continues efforts to resettle families displaced by the devastating floods of 2022.
The President was speaking at the Cornubia Integrated Human Settlement Project milestone celebration in eThekwini on Thursday, where houses were handed over to families who lost their homes in the floods.
“This development represents hope for the many families who were affected by the catastrophic floods that swept through this province four years ago.
“In 2022, these families lost everything. Today, they receive a permanent home they can call their own,” the President said.
Government initially provided shelter to affected families in mass care centres before moving them into temporary emergency accommodation.
However, the President acknowledged the difficult conditions families endured while awaiting permanent housing, including cramped living arrangements, limited access to public transport and long journeys to school for many learners.
“We were therefore determined to find a permanent solution for the affected families.”
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government identified the Cornubia Housing Development as part of the solution and directed that housing units be built for families moving out of temporary accommodation.
A further 145 houses are under construction as part of Phase 2, which was launched on Thursday.
Four years after the floods, government has made progress in resettling affected residents, with additional homes built in other parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
“Emergency accommodation must never become a permanent way of life. The end goal must be housing that delivers dignity,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said the transition from emergency accommodation to permanent housing must be completed with urgency, fairness and transparency.
He also called for outstanding matters to be addressed, including construction delays, beneficiary lists and title deeds.
“We must be clear about what remains outstanding. We must be clear about the dates by which each commitment will be met. We must be transparent with the community,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said residents should receive clear information about eligibility requirements, housing allocations, construction progress and relocation dates, rather than relying on rumours.
Allegations of fraud, queue-jumping, unlawful occupation or interference with beneficiary lists must be reported and investigated, he said.
The President also urged communities to protect completed houses, public facilities and infrastructure, and to reject the unlawful sale or occupation of subsidised housing.
He called on government, municipalities, implementing agencies, community leaders and residents to work together to ensure the programme succeeds.
“Let us finish what we started here. Let us make sure that no family is left waiting.
“Let us continue building Cornubia as a place of dignity, opportunity and belonging,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
