KwaZulu-Natal's Department of Human Settlements Faces Criticism Over Disaster Relief Accommodation

Strategic Insights -

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements is under fire for its handling of disaster relief accommodation, with concerns raised over the department's failure to meet key objectives, including building disaster relief housing in a timely manner. The department has announced plans to renovate a building purchased from Transnet to provide immediate housing relief stock for those left homeless by recent disasters, while limiting spending on private accommodation for those displaced by natural disasters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal has announced plans to renovate a building purchased from Transnet to provide immediate housing relief stock for disaster victims.
  • The department has spent R185 million to accommodate families in six private accommodations across Durban, with an additional R128 million needed to continue doing so.
  • DA spokesperson Riona Gokool stated that the department's performance to date has raised serious concerns, with only 28% of performance indicators meeting targets and 36% underperforming.
  • The department has delivered 7,976 fully subsidised houses, 5,030 houses in rural areas, and 464 homes for vulnerable members of society, but has underperformed in registering title deeds and upgrading informal settlements.
  • The department is working with all levels of government to coordinate disaster relief efforts, with a professional engineer to be appointed to conduct a basic assessment of Montclair Lodge for refurbishment.
  • The department has acquired Montclair Lodge from Transnet, which has 600 beds to accommodate flood victims, with a basic assessment to determine the scope of work for the refurbishment.

Statistics:

  • R185 million spent by the department to accommodate families in six private accommodations across Durban.
  • R128 million additional funding needed to continue accommodating families in private accommodations.
  • 28% of performance indicators met targets.
  • 36% of performance indicators underperformed.
  • 7,976 fully subsidised houses delivered by the department.
  • 5,030 houses delivered in rural areas.
  • 464 homes delivered for vulnerable members of society.
  • 1,638 title deeds registered and handed over to ordinary members of society.
  • 315 households assisted to own houses for the first time through the First Home Finance Programme.
  • 600 beds available at Montclair Lodge for flood victims.
  • R33 million paid by the department for Montclair Lodge.
  • R35m minimum set aside for the refurbishment of Montclair Lodge.
  • R4.2m made available for the basic assessment of Montclair Lodge.

Sources:

  • KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements statement on plans to renovate Montclair Lodge.
  • DA spokesperson Riona Gokool's statement on the department's performance to date.
  • KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Human Settlements portfolio committee meeting minutes.
  • Transnet statement on the transfer of Montclair Lodge to the Department of Human Settlements.