THE aftermath of the recent floods that wreaked havoc in eThekwini will be completely eradicated when ward five residents receive new houses.

Construction of 35 houses for families whose homes were damaged is currently underway, with some of the houses nearing completion to provide much needed relief.

One such family is that of Jabulani Shange whose family of 14 members has had to cram up in one house since their other house was damaged in the floods. “There are nine male members and five female members of the family and we are all sharing the same space.

We are in dire need of space. We are thankful for this intervention for which we were quite desperate for,” said Shange. Ward Councillor Sibusiso Dlamini said they are delighted by the rapid assistance. “Some families will be moving into their new homes soon and in that way have their dignity restored,” said Councillor Dlamini.

Local community members have also benefitted from temporary job opportunities created during the construction period, he said. Each of the houses will also have fitted jojo tanks to harvest rain water.

nonhlanhla.mkhabela@durban.gov.za