KWAZULU-NATAL — The Cornubia housing project is on track to deliver permanent homes to KwaZulu-Natal flood victims by mid-2027, marking a critical milestone in the province’s recovery efforts. President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the progress during a milestone celebration for the Cornubia Integrated Human Settlement Project in eThekwini on Thursday, where properties were officially handed over to displaced families.
The development serves as a beacon of recovery for residents who lost everything during the catastrophic floods of 2022. Following the disaster, the government initially relocated affected families to mass care centres before transitioning them into temporary emergency accommodation.
While acknowledging the difficult conditions these families endured during the wait—specifically citing cramped living spaces, poor access to public transport, and extended commutes for school learners—the President emphasized that the government was determined to secure a lasting solution. Consequently, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government selected the Cornubia Housing Development to provide permanent units for those moving out of temporary shelters.
During the event, Phase 2 of the project was officially launched, with an additional 145 houses currently under construction. This brings the total target to 460 permanent homes to be completed by the middle of 2027, adding to broader resettlement progress made across other parts of the province over the last four years.
Stressing that emergency accommodation should never become a permanent reality, President Ramaphosa noted that the ultimate objective is to provide housing that restores human dignity. He insisted that the transition from temporary shelters to permanent residences must be executed with urgency, fairness, and complete transparency.
Addressing administrative hurdles, the President called for the immediate resolution of outstanding issues, including construction delays, the finalization of beneficiary lists, and the issuance of title deeds. He urged authorities to provide residents with clear, factual information regarding eligibility, housing allocations, construction timelines, and relocation dates to prevent the spread of community rumours.
Furthermore, the President issued a strict warning against maladministration and corruption, stating that any allegations of fraud, queue-jumping, unlawful occupation, or interference with beneficiary lists must be thoroughly investigated. He also appealed to the community to safeguard completed homes, public facilities, and local infrastructure, while firmly rejecting the illegal sale or occupation of state-subsidised housing.
Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa called for a unified effort among the government, municipalities, implementing agencies, community leaders, and residents to ensure the programme’s success. He urged all stakeholders to finish the job, ensure no family is left waiting, and continue building Cornubia into a community defined by dignity, opportunity, and belonging.
