The KwaZulu-Natal government has assured Westville residents that flood victims will not be moved back to the Truro Hall in Westville. This comes after the victims were set to move to a building in Reservoir Hills that is a former student accommodation. The move came to a halt when residents in Reservoir Hills raised concerns on the safety of the place. The 47 families have since been placed in a hotel while temporary accommodation is being sought.
The KwaZulu-Natal premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, visited the hall on Sunday, along with the MEC for Human Settlements, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, to give an update on progress made in KwaZulu-Natal since the April and May 2022 flood disasters. They were also going to announce the latest decisions taken by the Executive Council on key issues in the province.
The Reservoir Hills Ratepayers’ Association chairperson, Ish Prahladh, said they knew on Sunday morning that the residents would be moved to the building in Reservoir Hills.
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“Our concern is the safety of the 47 people who will be housed there. We do not know if this place has been examined, and we do not know of any buildings in the area that can house 47 people, except for flats, and that is not a flat. The government must make sure these people were victims of floods, and they must not put them where it is unsafe. All protocols must be adhered to. There are 47 people’s lives involved in this situation,” he said.
In response to the ordeal, the KZN government said there was a sudden change of mind by the owners of the property in Manton Road, Reservoir Hills.
“It is worth mentioning that the government was confronted by angry local residents who complained about the violation of building regulations and construction objections they raised against the property owners. This prompted government to commit to investigating the community concerns which is now suspected to be the reason behind the sudden demand for government to take permanent purchase and ownership of the property.
“Following weeks of negotiations and agreements that were reached, we commenced the process of cleaning a facility in Manton Road in Reservoir Hills. The facility was spruced up and made fit for human habitation. This was followed by the final relocation and settling of flood victims, who were from Truro Hall in Westville, in the facility. A few hours later, the government was informed that the property owners are now demanding that the government buy the property as opposed to leasing it,” said the government.
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The government expressed their concern, saying some demands from residents that the flood victims not be rehoused in the area were amid fears that their presence would devalue their properties and lead to crime.
“This reprehensible behaviour flies against the spirit of seeking to assist communities in distress. It is a clear case of transferring risks and liability to the government, using the plight of the people in need. This is causing emotional trauma to families, especially children, and amounts to exploiting and holding the government at ransom,” they said.
The government said the flood victims will not be moving back to the community hall in Westville, “But will be found dignified accommodation where, after months of trauma and suffering, they can find peace and rebuild their lives and livelihoods.”
