The Democratic Alliance has written to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Human Settlements portfolio committee Chairperson, Linda Hlongwa, to request that an urgent update be given to committee members regarding the provision of emergency housing in the province.

The call comes as hundreds of people remain living in community halls after they were originally displaced during the April floods – a situation now compounded by this weekend’s flooding.

Nobody knows when the next heavy rains will come. It is now critical that both KZN’s government and its Department of Human Settlements, under MEC Jomo Sibiya, act speedily to prevent an unsustainable situation where far too many people are left waiting in community halls for too long.

It is also imperative that committee members be given an indication of where provincial government stand in terms of progress and planning and that the following issues be clarified;
- Progress to date on the delivery of emergency housing for victims of the April floods
- Updated requirements for emergency housing as a result of the May floods
- Clarity as to where emergency houses are now needed and;
- Whether there are sufficient funds on hand to meet the demand for emergency housing.

Of great concern to the DA is that those who are provided with building material vouchers may proceed to build new homes on flood plains. With flooding appearing to be the new norm in our province, this will be catastrophic and we need to know what steps are being taken to prevent this from happening.

What we need to see right now is a proactive approach by government. This must include speedy assessments in flooded areas so that the needs of those who have endured so much are met without further delay.

The DA is committed to ensuring this takes place and to working together with all role players to find solutions for KZN’s people during this time of great need.

Letter Attached

Issued by DA KZN Spokesperson on Human Settlements, Marlaine Nair, MPL