THERE was excitement at Conway Farm in oThongathi when displaced residents who lost their homes in the floods earlier this year were moved to family-friendly accommodation today, 10 November. They were moved from temporary mass care centres where they have been accommodated.

 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the City has successfully secured 13 family-friendly buildings to accommodate displaced residents. He said the process of moving families into these buildings is underway.

 

Around 163 families moved to Conway Farm which will result in the oThongathi and La Mercy halls and Caneland Training Centre mass care centres being closed.

 

Mayor Kaunda said from the original 120 mass care centres, the Municipality has reduced them to 58. He vowed that the remaining mass care centres will be closed by 15 December.

 

“Of the remaining 3 448 people accommodated at mass care centres, 2 000 will be relocated by the end of this month and by 15 December, we will relocate the remaining 1 448 people. We have also identified eight land parcels to build permanent structures for flood victims,” said Mayor Kaunda.

 

He said earthworks have begun at the identified land sites with construction expected to be completed in 2024. In the interim, flood victims will be accommodated at buildings the City has leased for 24 months.

 

During a media briefing at Conway Farm, Mayor Kaunda provided an update on repairing of sewer infrastructure in the City. He said a budget of over R250 million has been set aside to repair sewer infrastructure.  

 

“A contractor has already started to repair the Ohlange Sewer Pump Station which is responsible for the contamination of the Ohlange River and uMhlanga Beach. Work is also underway to procure additional pumps and generators, particularly for pump stations located along the coast,” Mayor Kaunda explained.

 

He is confident that this repair work will be finalised before the festive season to ensure residents and visitors have a memorable summer holiday in the City.

 

He also reiterated that Durban is open for business and that the City’s beaches and swimming pools are safe for swimming as the Municipality is constantly monitoring water quality.

 

Issued by eThekwini Municipality. For more information contact Municipal Spokesman Msawakhe Mayisela on  060 966 4220 or Mayoral Spokesman Mluleki Mntungwa  on 060 974 1140. 

 

 Ends