By: Sthulile Mdletshe
KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma says the eThekwini Municipality has the highest number of informal settlements in the province, largely due to ongoing migration from rural areas to urban centres.
Duma was addressing mounting concerns from residents of informal settlements who feel they are being excluded from housing development projects.
He was speaking during the official handover of houses to victims of the 2022 floods in Illovo, south of Durban. The handover was conducted in partnership with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane.
Duma acknowledged the difficulties faced by the government in meeting the demand for housing but insisted that steady progress is being made.
“While there are challenges, we are committed to restoring the dignity of our people and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Duma.
He emphasised that migration pressures, combined with historical backlogs and natural disasters, have intensified the housing crisis in the province.
