eThekwini flood victims, Cornubia Housing Project and Temporary Residential Units are central to the City’s latest housing plan announced in Durban this week.
Speaking on 22 February 2026, Mayor Cyril Xaba said the municipality is accelerating permanent resettlement plans for families displaced by recurring floods.
What is happening?
The eThekwini Municipality has intensified efforts to move flood-affected families out of temporary emergency accommodation and into permanent housing.
During a media briefing, Xaba acknowledged that many residents have lived in temporary shelters for an extended period following repeated flood disasters.
He said the situation has disrupted livelihoods and placed emotional strain on affected families.
As part of the long-term solution, the City is implementing a housing programme under the Cornubia Housing Development Project.
The project will deliver close to 1,200 houses specifically for flood victims. In total, the broader Cornubia development is expected to yield about 25,000 housing units once completed.
Why it matters
Recurring floods in eThekwini have displaced thousands of residents in recent years. Many families remain in temporary emergency accommodation, waiting for permanent solutions.
Prolonged stays in temporary shelters can affect access to work, schooling and basic services. Therefore, the municipality’s housing programme aims to restore stability and dignity to affected households.
In addition, the housing rollout could reduce pressure on emergency facilities that were meant to provide short-term relief only.
What you need to know
The municipality outlined the following housing interventions:
| Intervention | Details |
|---|---|
| Permanent houses | Close to 1,200 homes for flood victims under Cornubia project |
| Units under construction | 113 houses currently being built, completion expected next month |
| Temporary Residential Units | 400 TRUs agreed with provincial and national Human Settlements |
| Montclair Lodge | 500 units undergoing refurbishment |
| Target timeline | More than 1,000 units expected ready by June 2026 |
The City said it is also accelerating the installation of water, sanitation and electricity services at Cornubia to ensure homes are fully serviced before occupation.
What you should do next
If you are a flood-affected resident currently in temporary accommodation:
- Stay in contact with municipal housing officials regarding allocation updates
- Confirm your registration details with Human Settlements authorities
- Monitor official eThekwini communication channels for relocation timelines
Residents seeking clarity should contact the eThekwini Municipality Human Settlements Department through official municipal channels.
