Feb 11 • 06:58 UTC 🌍 Africa AllAfrica

South Africa: KZN Flood Victims Stuck in Emergency Housing, Three Years Later

Three years after devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, families are still living in temporary emergency housing provided by the eThekwini municipality.

Three years have passed since the floods in KwaZulu-Natal forced hundreds of families from their homes, yet many are still residing in emergency accommodations in the eThekwini region. Initially, residents were promised relocation to permanent housing following the temporary shelter provided by the eThekwini municipality. However, delays and slow progress have left families stranded in makeshift conditions, leading to dissatisfaction and frustration. The municipality has spent at least R120-million on these arrangements since 2022, highlighting the financial strain on local resources while families continue to live without a stable home.

The aftermath of the 2022 floods left many families in dire situations and in urgent need of permanent housing solutions. Despite the allocation of permanent housing to the families, the construction has not commenced, which raises concerns about the municipality's planning and execution capabilities. As these families await a resolution, the KwaZulu-Natal government is pushing to find solutions for those displaced by more recent storms, revealing the ongoing challenges in addressing housing crises within the region. Community members have expressed their disillusionment over the long-term stay in emergency housing, which was originally intended to be a short-term solution.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues of disaster response and preparedness in South Africa. Not only does it reflect the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, but it also highlights the importance of effective governance and resource management. The continued plight of the KZN flood victims calls for immediate action from local authorities to expedite the necessary housing developments and provide families with the stability they desperately need.

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