The IFP in the KZN Legislature says the failure of the ANC-led government in KwaZulu-Natal to build houses for the people is to blame for the suffering of flood victims in eThekwini.

This became evident during an oversight visit to Ward 80 in uMlazi by Hon. Thokozile Gumede MPL, IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Human Settlements. Hon. Gumede met with flood victims who were promised help by the ANC government but instead, have been left to fend for themselves. 

"Residents in Ward 80 are building their shacks on the banks of the uMlazi River, which resulted in shacks being washed away during the April 2022 floods. When they were affected by floods, they were promised they would be moved to better shelter but that didn't materialise. They are again living in shacks erected on the riverbank. This is yet another disaster waiting to happen should floods strike again," said Hon. Gumede.

"I also visited Durban Point Road, where floods victims are housed in a flat. I was shocked to learn that nine people from different families are sharing one room; in other rooms two families are sharing one room, one bathroom and a kitchen with malfunctioning appliances. No scholar transport has been provided by government, which promised that their children would be transported to school. This is yet another empty promise made by the ANC-led government at the expense of poor people. Flood victims have stated that they want to go back to their normal life and be provided with decent houses," said Hon. Gumede. 

"As the IFP, we want to know when flood victims will be moved to decent houses. What happened regarding the announcement by the National Minister of Public Works, Patricia De Lille, that land is available to build houses for flood victims?” added Hon Gumede.

"The laissez-faire attitude of the ANC-led government cannot be tolerated. They must stop gambling with people's lives. Ward 80 residents in uMlazi who are staying in shacks next to the riverbank must be moved from that area and provided with decent houses," concluded Hon. Gumede.

Issued by IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Human Settlements Hon Thokozile Gumede