Question NW694 to the Minister of Human Settlements
24 March 2023 - NW694
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1) Whether, with reference to her statement in December 2022, that 135 mass care centres in areas affected by floods were closed and families relocated to temporary units and transitional emergency accommodation, her department has conducted oversight visits to the temporary units and transitional emergency accommodation to assess the standard of living and services available in the locations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details. (2) Whether her department will provide details including, timelines, budget, locations, and process of application for housing by victims for the rehabilitation phase; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. All “135 mass care centres” have been closed and the households either moved to temporary residential units (TRUs) or to transitional emergency accommodation (TEA). The Province has reported that out of 1810 TRUs, 1755 have been erected and occupied and the balance are being erected. This Department has conducted oversight visits together with the Department of Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation to TRUs and TEA. The TRUs are built using alternative building technology and meets the norms and standards set in the Housing Code. The structures are approximately 30m², separate ablution facilities are provided for females and males, water standpipes are provided, and the units have been fitted with prepaid electricity meters. The Department have also interacted with beneficiaries who were extremely pleased with the TRU accommodation.
With regards to the transitional emergency accommodation, households have been housed in privately owned rented accommodation paid for by the State. The accommodation is of a good quality with all services for example water, ablution, cooking, and security facilities are provided. Interaction with beneficiaries revealed that they were extremely pleased with the accommodation. Further oversight visits are planned.
2. The Province has also reported that all land parcels are to be developed as a permanent solution with housing High-Density typology (3 Storey Walkups). The proposed development is to be aligned with the Municipal Land Use Controls and a shortened statutory process to be followed due to the urgency for a permanent solution. The Provincial Department together with the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has a database of all households and would commence with the necessary screening process for the allocation of permanent housing.