EThekwini Municipality can confirm a sit-in today, 6 June, at the Durban City Hall by about 40 people who claim to be displaced flood victims from various temporary shelters in EThekwini.
The leadership of eThekwini Municipality, led by the Deputy Mayor Councillor Philani Mavundla, has met with the protesters to listen to their concerns. Mavundla has outlined to them what support the municipality has been providing to those in shelters. He has also explained the challenges of, and the process to be followed to resettle displaced flood victims in safer homes. “We understand the plight of those living in shelters. We also understand the urgency of resettling them in safe home. We are already in discussions with the MEC for Human Settlements, Jomo Sibiya, to find a lasting solution to this challenge,” said Mavundla.
City officials are currently profiling the protesters to establish if they are indeed flood victims and to determine the type of assistance they require.
Since the floods in April, the municipality has been providing a range of support services to those living in temporary shelters. These include hot meals, blankets, mattresses, medical services and hygiene packs. Together with the Department of Home Affairs, identity documents have been provided to enable families to access other government support interventions, such as grants and pensions.
Importantly, the municipality is in the process of identifying suitable land for building homes. In some areas this process is at an advanced stage.
