Urgent Call for Action on KZN’s Delayed Emergency Housing Fund

The Emergency Housing Response Fund in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is a pressing issue that requires immediate action.

This is according to the portfolio committee on human settlements in South Africa, which has highlighted the significant delays in activating this fund – essential for communities ravaged by natural disasters.

Upon investigation, the committee found that people in areas such as eThekwini and Inkosi Langalibalele municipalities, which were severely impacted by storms in 2023, are still awaiting assistance.

The fund’s sluggish activation is attributed to administrative gridlock at the national level, preventing swift responses to disasters. With the rainy season approaching, these delays pose a serious danger to the affected communities.

Additionally, business forums have been stalling construction projects by demanding shares of project values, a practice criticized by the committee as harmful to community interests. Law enforcement has been urged to address this issue.

Poor coordination among government agencies further exacerbates the situation, alongside a lack of necessary infrastructure that hinders timely project completion. Despite financial constraints, the committee emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and effective project management to avoid delays and budget overruns.

During site visits to projects like the Empangeni Integrated Residential Development Programme and Dumisani Makhaye Village, the committee observed that progress was hampered by budget limitations, with only a few houses being constructed monthly.

Concerns were also raised about the adherence to building standards in these projects.

The committee stresses the urgency for rapid and cooperative responses to housing crises and a commitment to maintaining building standards. This is not merely a bureaucratic concern; it is vital for enhancing living conditions in KZN’s disaster-hit regions.