For hundreds of families still living in temporary shelters, hope is beginning to take shape in brick and mortar.
More than 1 000 housing units are expected to be ready for occupation by June as eThekwini Municipality intensifies efforts to resettle residents displaced by devastating floods.
During a recent oversight visit to the Cornubia Housing Development Project, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba walked through rows of newly built structures — a visible sign of progress in a project that has become a lifeline for many.
Currently, more than 113 houses are under construction at Cornubia as part of over 1 200 units earmarked specifically for flood victims. Of these, 103 units are set for completion by the end of March, with the remainder scheduled for the next financial year.
In the interim, the City plans to construct more than 400 Temporary Residential Units to accommodate families currently living in Temporary Emergency Accommodation and transit camps while permanent homes are finalised.
“There is also a process underway to finalise the refurbishment of 500 units at Montclair Lodge. I am optimistic that by June this year, we will have more than 1 000 units available to accommodate people who are currently in temporary emergency accommodation,” said Xaba.
Municipal teams are also accelerating the connection of essential services — water, sanitation and electricity — to ensure that once construction is complete, beneficiaries can move in without further delays.
The Cornubia Housing Development is not only focused on flood victims. It forms part of a broader integrated human settlements programme catering for social rental housing, RDP beneficiaries and first home finance subsidy applicants.
With a projected yield of 25 000 units, Cornubia stands as one of the City’s flagship developments aimed at restoring dignity while addressing housing backlogs.
Beyond housing, the project includes road infrastructure to support the integrated public transport network, as well as a school, community hall, trading stalls, sports facilities and a clinic — critical amenities designed to build a sustainable and thriving community.
For families who have waited years for permanent shelter, the June target is more than a municipal milestone. It is a promise — one that carries the weight of restoration, stability and a chance to start again.
