ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS MADE AT NTUZUMA INFILL HOUSING PROJECT AS CITY ADVANCES SERVICE DELIVERY
EThekwini Municipality is pleased to report steady and measurable progress on the Ntuzuma Unit G Infill Housing Project.
This in situ housing upgrade programme aims to improve living conditions and expand access to formal housing for residents in Wards 42, 55 and 107.
Significant work has already been completed to prepare the area for formal housing development.
To date, 268 sites have been fully serviced, while 358 sites are partially serviced and remain in the installation phase.
Construction of permanent homes has also commenced, with 19 top structures completed and ready for occupation by qualifying beneficiaries.
Preparations are underway for the next phase of development.
A public tender process is currently underway for the construction of an additional 516 housing units, which will be delivered by two appointed contractors once the procurement process has been finalised.
The project has secured several key regulatory approvals required for development to proceed in a lawful and structured manner.
Approval for 851 sites has been granted under the Less Formal Township Establishment Act of 1991 by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
In addition, Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act approval has been obtained for 516 sites across six of the eleven development phases.
Funding approval has also been secured from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements for tranches 1, 2 and 3 of the development programme, which remains valid until 2028.
The National Home Builders Registration Council has granted enrolment approval for the first 35 housing units.
Progress is also being made in the administration and verification of beneficiaries.
To date, 56 beneficiaries have been successfully approved on the national Housing Subsidy System, forming part of the ongoing allocation and verification process required before homes can be formally handed over.
As with many large in situ housing developments, the Ntuzuma Unit G project faces some challenges on the ground.
These include overcrowding, dense settlement patterns, and the presence of substantial informal structures that limit access to some sites.
The Municipality is actively working to address these challenges.
This includes exploring higher-density development options in areas where land availability is limited, as well as initiating a land identification process to accommodate beneficiaries who may not be settled within the current project footprint.
The Municipality also wishes to clarify reports regarding transit camp units that have been described as abandoned.
These units were not abandoned.
Some were unfortunately vandalised during a period when the Municipality was awaiting the installation of electricity meters.
Preparations are now underway to install electricity meters and ablution facilities.
Once this work is completed and a technical assessment confirms that the units remain in good condition, the structures will be prepared for occupation.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
