KZN Human Settlements Dept forks out R33m for building to house evicted flood victims

DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal’s Human Settlement department forked out R33 million to purchase Montclair Lodge in efforts to house displaced flood victims.

Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma revealed this during a media briefing on Saturday, where he gave an update on the current placement of families who were evicted from Bayside Hotel.

About 150 flood victims found themselves stranded yet again due to late payments to the hotel earlier this week.

Department spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said that they have since provided alternative accommodation in Umbilo for the affected families.

"The MEC announced that the department has bought a building that belonged to Transnet, the Montlcair Lodge. About R34 million has been paid to Transnet, and the building has been transferred to the department."