The Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Zandile Gumede, recently launched a R120 million housing development in oThongathi in the north of Durban.  

The multi-million rand Emona Sunhill housing development will benefit a total of 1082 families from the Harry’s Farm, Firehouse and Saturam informal settlements.

Construction on the project has started with contractor Stedone Development on site to implement civil work which includes earthworks for platforms, earthworks for the roads and asphalt roads, sewer and water reticulation.

The housing development will be undertaken in phases, with Phase 1 consisting of 250 units and the project is expected to be completed in 12 months.

“This community has waited patiently for the housing development to begin and this was due to studies that had to be done before any construction work could begin. Now that the studies have been finalised and we are pleased with the outcomes, we are giving this project the green light,” the mayor said.

Prioritising basic services

She added that employment opportunities would be created for the residents during the construction of the housing project.

The municipality said after the civil work is complete, the top structure which is the construction of the houses and connection to services will commence. To ensure that residents have an adequate supply of water, an upgrade of a reservoir will be done while the project is under construction.

Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Councillor Mondli Mthembu attended the launch and said the council was aware of the challenges facing residents in the various oThongathi informal settlements.

“We will prioritise basic services like electricity for this community. We commit to convening another meeting with the City’s Electricity Unit and residents to discuss plans of electrification,” he said.