By Levy Masiteng
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has said the metro is fast-tracking basic service connections at the Cornubia Housing Development as the city pushes to move flood-displaced families into new homes.
More than 1,000 housing units are expected to be ready for occupation by June, according to the city.
“Connections to water, sanitation and electricity are being fast-tracked to avoid further delays,” Xaba said during an inspection of the development on Wednesday.
The housing programme comes as eThekwini continues rebuilding after repeated flood disasters that have hit Durban and surrounding communities.
In April 2022, torrential rains in KwaZulu-Natal killed more than 400 people, left thousands homeless and caused extensive damage to roads, power and water infrastructure, while disrupting operations at the Port of Durban, one of Africa’s busiest.
Since then, the metro has faced further severe storm events, including destructive coastal thunderstorms in January 2024 that caused fatalities and significant damage.
The city said more than 113 permanent houses are currently under construction at Cornubia as part of more than 1,200 units earmarked specifically for flood victims.
Of these, 103 units are expected to be completed by the end of March, with the remaining permanent houses scheduled for completion in the next financial year, it said.
“The City will also construct more than 400 Temporary Residential Units in the area to accommodate residents currently living in Temporary Emergency Accommodation and transit camps, while construction at Cornubia continues,” it said.
Xaba said he was confident with the pace of construction.
He said the project was turning the tide for families who have spent months and in some cases years in temporary emergency accommodation.
A separate refurbishment programme is also underway at Montclair Lodge, where 500 units are being prepared for occupation, he said.
Besides flood victims, the Cornubia development caters to three key categories of beneficiaries.
These includes social housing for rental, RDP housing, and first home finance subsidy beneficiaries.
The housing project has a total projected yield of 25,000 housing units once fully completed.
Xaba said the project represents more than bricks and mortar. “This development will significantly alleviate the hardships faced by residents displaced by floods and restore dignity and stability to affected families,” he said.
To support the growing community, the municipality said it is also constructing new road infrastructure as part of its integrated public transport network.
This is complemented by a range of social amenities already developed in the area, including a school, community hall, clinic, sports facilities and trading stalls.
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