Durban - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba says an agreement which would allow some flood victims staying in mass shelters to be moved into the Montclair Transnet Lodge is almost finalised.
The agreement is being concluded between the department and Transnet. It comes after flood victims who were living in shelters invaded the lodge in July. They were evicted after Transnet obtained a court order.
The MEC visited the building after the KZN Provincial Executive Council and the Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Floods Disaster and Recovery met on Tuesday to discuss issues of housing flood victims.
Mahlaba says the building is the best solution for the families currently staying in halls as it has the necessary amenities.
“This building fits in well with the vision of human settlement as it has many amenities like a kitchen facility, a laundromat and even a gym.”
He says contractual agreements to lease the building are almost finalised. Once that is done it will be handed over to the eThekwini Municipality to manage.
The MEC says there are more than 130 rooms available in this building, but adds this will also be a temporary measure as they want to move the flood victims to permanent homes.
“Our aim is to have permanent homes built in the next six months.”