In a significant step toward addressing the housing crisis for families displaced by devastating floods, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government is making headway on a large-scale housing project in Cornubia, north of Durban. The initiative aims to relocate more than 1,200 families who have been living in emergency shelters since the floods in April 2022 and February 2025.
The project, which is part of the government’s Operation Siyahlola program, aims to complete 113 permanent houses by the end of this year, with the remaining units scheduled for completion by December 2026. The department has committed to building “high-quality, disaster-resilient” homes with special accommodations for people with disabilities.
“Operation Siyahlola is not just about inspecting projects—it is about changing lives,” said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli during a site visit. “By 2027 we want every flood victim in KwaZulu-Natal to live in a safe, permanent home.”
The government has allocated significant funding to the project, with an additional R149 million set aside for 692 serviced sites and a further R261 million from the human settlements development grant for additional houses.
The location of the housing project is strategic, as it is close to essential services, malls, and factories, providing residents with access to employment opportunities. The government is also working to ensure that children from relocating families can continue their schooling without disruption.
The project has faced challenges, including resistance from some communities that do not want to accept displaced families. In response, the provincial government plans to launch a social facilitation program to promote integration and combat such attitudes.
Human Settlements and Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said the construction is progressing well, with bulk infrastructure, including water, electricity, and access roads, already in place. The government is committed to closing all temporary emergency shelters by January 2027.