KZN spends R33 million on lodge to house flood victims! The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements has spent R33 million to purchase the Montclair Lodge, a former Transnet-owned property, as a long-term solution for housing flood victims.
The announcement was made by Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma during a media briefing on Saturday.
KZN spends R33 million
Response to Recent Evictions
This intervention follows the eviction of approximately 150 flood victims from Bayside Hotel earlier in the week due to delayed government payments. The families, originally displaced by severe flooding, were left stranded again until the department stepped in to provide emergency shelter.
Temporary Relief in Umbilo
According to department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya, the affected families have now been temporarily relocated to accommodation in Umbilo while the department finalises plans for permanent housing.
Lodge Acquisition Confirmed
“The MEC announced that the department has bought a building that belonged to Transnet, the Montclair Lodge,” Sibiya confirmed. “About R34 million has been paid to Transnet, and the building has been transferred to the department.”
The department’s move signals a shift toward more sustainable solutions for disaster victims, following criticism over the state’s handling of temporary accommodation in recent years.
In other news – MaMkhize threatens legal action over firearms scandal
MaMkhize threatens legal action over firearms scandal! Reality TV star and businesswoman Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize is ready to pursue legal action after her name was linked to an arms scandal involving controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The drama unfolded when Ian Cameron, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, claimed that over 40 firearms seized from MaMkhize’s La Lucia mansion belonged to Matlala’s security company. Read More
