Since the beginning of lockdown, eThekwini Municipality has made a provision of temporary shelters for homeless people to combat the spread of Covid-19.
The municipality provided accommodation to over 1 500 homeless people who were housed in eight shelters at the start of lockdown in March. By the end of April, the municipality had 12 shelters accommodating 1 704 people. With government departments and non-government organisations on various interventions, the municipality has been able to ensure that the lives of homeless people are improved. These include, drug withdrawal management programme, reuniting them with their families and providing other necessities. EThekwini mayor, councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, gave a detailed update of the programme, recently.
“The municipality reunited 30 people with their families as far as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Kimberly during the inter-provincial period. Homeless people who are on the drug management programme are responding positively and their withdrawal symptoms are being managed with the assistance of health practitioners. The municipality has identified safe sleeping spaces in the city and continue using vacant buildings to accommodate about 200 women.”
The municipality has also identified women who have great talent in sewing and beadwork and plans are underway to engage the department of labour to establish a skills development programme to assist those with matric and post-matric qualifications.
ALSO READ: Homeless residents still on streets
In a show of residents’ solidarity with the municipality, a homeless Unisa student received a laptop and cell phone donation after his plight was highlighted. The man has also received a job offer at a petrol station.
Kaunda reiterated that the City’s plans will continue beyond the Covid-19 pandemic. The municipality is working with social workers to reunite at least 40 per cent of homeless people with their families.
“These interventions are an indication that we remain committed to building a city that belongs to all who live in it, including homeless people. We urge residents to continue to work with us as we seek long-lasting solutions to the challenge of homelessness,” said Kaunda.
ALSO READ: Durban homeless and displaced taken care of during Covid-19 pandemic
He said the Homelessness Task Team, led by eThekwini deputy mayor, councillor Belinda Scott, will continue to engage weekly to deal with issues of homelessness across the spectrum.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
