The eThekwini Municipality has moved to clarify its position regarding 13 former flood-displaced families currently occupying the area outside the Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA) facility on Mahatma Gandhi Road.
The families were initially accommodated through government emergency relief measures following the devastating April 2022 floods.
The municipality said that, as part of its ongoing flood recovery programme, a comprehensive occupancy review and beneficiary verification process was undertaken to determine eligibility for permanent housing assistance and continued occupation of TEA facilities.
According to the municipality, the review was conducted in accordance with the National Housing Code, applicable housing legislation and approved government housing programmes.
The assessment considered several criteria, including registration on the Housing Subsidy System (HSS), ownership of residential property by beneficiaries or their spouses, previous receipt of government housing assistance, household income in relation to subsidised housing thresholds, and compliance with registration and verification requirements.
"The outcome of the assessment confirmed that the affected households do not meet the eligibility requirements for the available government housing intervention programmes.
"As a result, they do not qualify for continued accommodation under the TEA programme or for permanent subsidised housing assistance within the current policy framework," the municipality said in a statement.
"The municipality added that the assessment outcomes were formally communicated to the affected households, and the required notices were issued. While opportunities were provided to engage on available options, the municipality said these processes were not concluded.
According to the municipality, the verification process identified several factors affecting eligibility, including existing property ownership, previous housing subsidy benefits, housing allocations already in progress and household income levels that exceed the qualifying threshold for subsidised housing programmes.
Despite the outcome, the municipality said it remains committed to engaging the affected households in a lawful, humane and constructive manner.
“Municipal officials continue to assess individual circumstances to determine whether any alternative interventions may be appropriate and available.”
Although some households do not qualify for a Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing subsidy, the municipality said other forms of housing support may be considered, subject to eligibility and availability.
These include rental housing opportunities, alternative accommodation arrangements, relocation options where appropriate, and access to social support services through relevant government departments and agencies.
The municipality noted that each case is assessed individually, taking into account the verification outcome, household income category, ownership status, subsidy eligibility, and the availability of suitable accommodation interventions.
“The municipality has a responsibility to ensure that limited public housing resources are allocated fairly, transparently and in accordance with legislative and policy requirements. This is necessary to ensure that qualifying beneficiaries receive assistance through approved government housing programmes.
“The municipality, together with the relevant Human Settlements authorities, will continue engaging affected households and reviewing individual circumstances where appropriate to ensure that all reasonable and available housing options are explored,” the municipality explained.
It reiterated its commitment to supporting flood-affected residents within the framework of applicable legislation and approved housing programmes while advancing sustainable and equitable housing solutions for qualifying beneficiaries. – SAnews.gov.za
