The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini has written to the Chairperson of Human Settlements and Infrastructure, Councillor Themba Mvubu to demand answers over the ongoing failure to complete housing projects for flood victims in KwaMakhutha, Ziko, and KwaFelekisi areas.
This follows an oversight inspection by the DA eThekwini Human Settlements Committee, to assess the progress of the promised housing projects. The DA has learnt that many homes remain incomplete, while some families have not even been accommodated—despite years having passed since the devastating 2022 floods.
More than 200 flood victims reported that municipal officials had previously visited them and made empty promises to return and build houses. Many residents were also told to sign documents to secure their homes, yet today, half of them still have no place to call home. Among the affected are the most vulnerable including the elderly and those living with disabilities that are forced to live in inhumane conditions.
The DA demands the following answers from the eThekwini Municipality:
– What happened to the budget allocated for these housing projects?
– Why has the municipality failed to prioritize the completion of these homes?
– Why was R100 million returned to Treasury instead of being used to build homes for flood victims?
We are particularly disturbed by reports of financial mismanagement and corruption, including the alleged misappropriation of R17 million intended for housing in areas such as KwaMakhutha, which led to the recent suspension of municipal officials. It is unacceptable that while funds are misused, families are left to suffer in unsafe and undignified living conditions.
The DA will not rest until the residents of KwaMakhutha, Ziko, and KwaFelekisi receive the housing and support they were promised.
We demand an urgent report from the municipality detailing the status of these projects and a clear plan to ensure that every affected family receives proper housing without further delays.