Cornubia:eThekwini President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that 460 permanent homes are expected to be completed in Cornubia, KwaZulu-Natal, by mid-2027 as part of the government's ongoing efforts to resettle families displaced by the devastating floods of 2022. The announcement was made during the Cornubia Integrated Human Settlement Project milestone celebration, where houses were handed over to families who lost their homes.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President highlighted that the development represents hope for the numerous families affected by the catastrophic floods four years ago. Initially, these families were provided shelter in mass care centers before being moved to temporary emergency accommodation.
The President acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by families awaiting permanent housing, such as cramped living spaces and limited access to public services. He emphasized the government's determination to provide a permanent solution for these families. As part of this solution, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government identified the Cornubia Housing Development to build units for families transitioning from temporary accommodations.
Currently, 145 additional houses are under construction as part of Phase 2, which was launched during the milestone celebration. Progress has been made in resettling affected residents, with additional homes built in other areas of KwaZulu-Natal. President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of completing the transition from emergency to permanent housing with urgency, fairness, and transparency.
He called for addressing outstanding issues such as construction delays, beneficiary lists, and title deeds. The President also emphasized the need for clear communication with residents regarding eligibility requirements, housing allocations, and relocation dates to prevent reliance on rumors. He urged communities to protect completed homes and infrastructure and to report any allegations of fraud or unlawful activities related to housing allocations.
The President concluded by calling on government, municipalities, implementing agencies, and community leaders to work collaboratively to ensure the success of the housing program, reinforcing that the ultimate goal is to provide housing that delivers dignity to all affected families.