A PETITION spearheaded by concerned residents of Lower Illovo against the eThekwini Municipality’s plan to establish a 400-bed homeless shelter next to Illovo Primary School has been sent to the municipal manager.
The petitioners are demanding answers and expressing their disapproval over the lack of consultation on the project, which aims to convert a former halfway house for drug addicts into a centre for the homeless from Durban.
The community’s opposition quickly gained momentum following a story broken by the SUN, which highlighted the municipality’s intention to move the homeless population from the city to Lower Illovo. Originally, funds had been approved for a homeless shelter in the Durban CBD. However, eThekwini’s Inner City Regeneration Committee suggested relocating the homeless to a different area, arguing that their presence in the city centre could negatively impact tourism.
Although no official council approval has been granted yet, work has already begun at the previously abandoned Sakhithemba Home in Lower Illovo, where workers have been seen clearing trees and tidying up the yard.
Bryan Baxter, a Lower Illovo resident and the initiator of the petition, said that while the community acknowledges homelessness as a serious issue, they believe it should be addressed properly within Durban, rather than displacing people to their neighbourhood.
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“For the homeless people being relocated, who is responsible for managing the facility? What budget and resources have been allocated? What about the safety and security of the housing facility?” Baxter questioned in his letter to municipal manager Mbhele. He also raised concerns about the provision of rehabilitation, food, personal hygiene and healthcare services for the relocated individuals.
“We strongly urge you to devise a plan that is more humane and provides a sustainable solution to the problem. Relocating drug addicts and [the homeless] from Durban to the South Coast is not the answer,” Baxter added.
He added that the community’s primary concern is that the relocation of homeless individuals may lead to increased crime in the area as they struggle to meet their needs.
Responding to the backlash, eThekwini spokesperson Gugu Sisilana clarified that the plan is still in its proposal stage and has not yet received council approval.
“The community has not been consulted since there is no council approval at this stage. Communities will only be consulted once there is council approval to proceed with the proposal to rebuild Sakhithemba as a homeless shelter,” said Sisilana.
The unfolding situation highlights the ongoing debate over how best to address homelessness while balancing community concerns and the needs of vulnerable populations.
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