In response to the devastating floods that have affected communities across South Africa, Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, announced the allocation of R100 million to assist flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal.
This funding is part of the government's broader efforts to address the recurring issue of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas that are increasingly vulnerable due to rapid and unchecked urbanisation.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Simelane pointed out that many residents are forced to live in these flood-prone areas due to the limited availability of land.
"People are looking for jobs, and as a result of that, we're seeing more flooding when there is heavy rain like we've seen," she said.
Simelane detailed the multifaceted nature of the government's disaster response, noting the involvement of several departments to address the various needs of affected communities.
"When your house gets destroyed, you lose your paperwork. You need Home Affairs to come. You need Social Development, you need the Department of Education for the children and the schoolbooks that could have been washed away," she said.
She stressed the devastating impact of floods on individuals and families, highlighting how they lose almost everything they have worked for over the years.
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The R100 million allocated by the national government will be directed toward various urgent needs, including the construction of new homes for flood victims.
"The province of KwaZulu-Natal has already built no less than 600 structures in areas that were affected," Simelane said.
She also acknowledged the substantial damage to smaller municipalities, such as King Cetshwayo, Umdoni, and Ugu, and the need for further assistance in these areas.
While Simelane acknowledged that R100 million is a "drop in the ocean" compared to the scale of the damage, she expressed optimism about the temporary relief measures being implemented.
One key initiative is the provision of Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) in affected areas. These units are designed to provide immediate shelter to displaced residents while more permanent housing solutions are developed.
Beyond short-term relief, Simelane emphasised the need for long-term, sustainable solutions to prevent future flooding disasters. One of the primary strategies being explored is densification in urban areas such as Johannesburg and Pretoria, which continue to experience rapid population growth.
"We need to build homes in a different way," Simelane said, pointing to efforts to explore alternative building materials and innovative construction methods that will help accommodate growing urban populations.
The department is also repurposing old buildings, as demonstrated in Midrand, to create more living spaces.
Simelane also underscored the importance of transforming urban infrastructure to better withstand frequent and intense weather events.
"We can't rebuild in the 1987 way of doing things," she said, referring to outdated and poorly maintained stormwater management systems that contributed to the recent flooding. The department is focusing on improving stormwater infrastructure and ensuring that future construction is more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Despite the significant efforts under way, Simelane acknowledged that the housing backlog remains a massive challenge, one that exceeds the current capacity of the government to address. However, she remains optimistic about the direction in which the Department of Human Settlements is heading.
"The direction is clear, and the government is committed to finding innovative solutions that not only rebuild but also prevent future disasters," she said.
As part of the government’s broader strategy, Simelane outlined a collaboration with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to test and implement alternative building materials and construction methods.
This approach aims to reduce costs and accelerate the building of new homes, offering a more sustainable long-term solution to the ongoing housing crisis.
IOL