Image Source: SABC News
Local – 113 houses are to be built for flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal. However, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has warned that the unlawful resale of government houses will not be tolerated.
Ntuli said that selling or informally transferring state-subsidised homes undermines recovery efforts and will be met with legal action. He emphasised that only flood victims should benefit from the resettlement programme.
“Such actions will not be tolerated, and the Department of Human Settlements, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will take strict legal action against offenders to protect the integrity of the resettlement programme and ensure that the rightful beneficiaries are accommodated,” Ntuli said.
The warning came as the provincial government announced that construction of new houses for displaced families is expected to be completed within the next four months.
The initiative forms part of the Operation Siyahlola Oversight Programme, which monitors service delivery and infrastructure projects.
According to Ntuli, the housing rollout is central to KwaZulu-Natal’s disaster recovery plan, which aims to ensure that by 2027, every family affected by the 2022 and 2025 floods is placed in a safe, fully serviced home.
The Premier added that the houses are designed to withstand future disasters and will include features to accommodate people with disabilities.
“These 113 houses represent a promise in action. Our designs are disaster-resilient and inclusive, catering to people with disabilities as well. Rebuilding after disaster must mean building better and building for all,” he said.
Long-term housing plan
The Department of Human Settlements has confirmed that 113 top structures will be finished between July and December 2025, with R149 million allocated to prepare 692 serviced sites for further development.
In addition, R261 million has been ring-fenced from the Human Settlements Development Grant for 2026/27, while R25 million will be redirected from capital balances to complete 108 houses by October 2025.
Ntuli explained that nearly 700 houses are scheduled for completion by December 2026, with families expected to move in shortly afterwards.
By January 2027, Temporary Emergency Accommodations will close as more than 800 permanent homes are handed over. Additionally, seven parcels of rezoned land in eThekwini will be utilised for new housing projects to help alleviate the municipality’s broader backlog.
“This housing and resettlement programme marks one of the most ambitious post-disaster recovery initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal’s history, reaffirming government’s commitment to rebuilding communities, restoring dignity, and ensuring no flood victim is left behind,” Ntuli said.
