Residents against temporary development for flood victims

Residents packed the Egret Road Hall on Tuesday evening to voice their concerns over a proposal to construct temporary structures in Fountain Lane to house April flood victims.

The 24 families have been living at Truro Hall since their homes were destroyed at the Nkululeko Informal Settlement in Ward 28. The proposed temporary structure development will service eight of the 24 families.

The residents have raised their concerns over the temporary structures as, according to city bylaws, the land is meant to be used for recreational facilities.

Resident Rajesh Deolall said the agreement for the flood victims to stay at Truro Hall should have not been made in the first place.

“Nothing is being done to address our concerns that we have about what is happening in our community. We are being lied to about what is going on. Why was the agreement made in the first place to use Truro Hall as a temporary housing?” questioned Deolall.

Parent Koraisha Essack questioned if the temporary structures would have adequate ablution facilities, fearing the lack of would contribute to the growing problem of rodents and snakes the area is experiencing.

“Recently there was a snake that we found in our yard, we have also started seeing rodents get into our yard and they are coming from the ground, which is a huge bush. What will happen once the temporary structures are put up, will there be proper ablution facilities or areas where garbage will be disposed? This will have a great impact on the community that is already living here."

Essack further questioned why the municipality had been testing the ground if the project was still in the proposal phase.

"Why were they testing the ground if they are not going to put up the structures?” questioned Essack.

Ward 28 councillor Lucky Naicker said that according to municipal plans, all open spaces have been declared as recreational land and the municipality will be infringing on their own bylaws should they use it for construction the temporary structures.

“The community is upset. They want the land to be used for recreational facilities. According to the area plans, this is a recreational land and the municipality will be infringing their own bylaws should it be used for the structures.

"I was the one who agreed that the flood victims should stay at Truro Hall. There are 24 families, and not just eight of the families should be moved but all of the families. My life has also been in jeopardy as I have received many threats [regarding this matter]. I have even looked at other plots of land where the families can be housed. Verbally, I have been told that Fountain Lane cannot be used after an environmental assessment, but I need that to be given to me in writing,” said Naicker.

Msunduzi Municipality spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize confirmed that the land is being considered for the use of housing.

“The municipality has identified this area for the construction of temporary housing units and for a further construction of permanent housing units at a later stage. However, this is not final as we are still to start with the relevant studies and obtain necessary approvals.

"The detailed studies, once concluded, will determine how many units can be built.

"Fountain Lane will proceed with feasibility studies and SPLUMA application processes. This will also include community consultation. The proposed permanent housing solution will benefit the ward as a whole and should not be seen negatively. We have a huge housing backlog and the demand far exceeds the supply. Therefore, all possible projects should be supported,” said Mkhize.