Latest news with #KwaZulu-NatalDepartmentofTransportandHumanSettlements
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport purchases Montclair Lodge for displaced flood victims
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba during yesterday's visit to Montclair Lodge Image: Supplied IN A FORWARD-STEPPING move the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has purchased a property that will aid its mission to house families that were displaced by recent floods that lashed the province. It was the department's intention to avoid the practice of utilising privately owned property to accommodate displaced people. MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed that the department he headed had purchased the Montclair Lodge from Transnet for R33 million — the facility, which includes 268 rooms with a bed capacity of 600, that will be repurposed to house over 150 evicted flood victims. 'We wish to announce that we have bought this facility, the Montclair Lodge, from Transnet,' Duma said, with regards to property where the official transfer of ownership took place on May 31. 'In other words, we will no longer use private facilities as part of the Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA),' he said. The announcement comes after more than 150 flood victims were evicted from the Bayside Hotel in Durban's city center due to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements' failure to make payments. The victims, who were originally displaced by devastating floods earlier this year, will now be temporarily housed at the Chesterville Community Hall. The department previously said R185 million has already been paid to various hotels for emergency accommodations. An additional R128 million was needed to accommodate 1,200 displaced individuals. Many of the affected victims, who previously resided in various parts of the eThekwini Municipality, have been without permanent housing since the April 2022 floods. Duma said the Montclair Lodge will be managed by the Housing Development Agency on behalf of his department. 'A professional engineer will be appointed before the end of the month to conduct a basic assessment, which will determine the scope of work for the refurbishment,' he said. The department has allocated R4.2 million for the assessment and a minimum of R35 million for refurbishment. A contractor will be appointed immediately after the assessment report is completed. Duma said it was anticipated that some flood victims would be able to reside at the lodge by possibly December or January. 'Our plan is to ensure that we are ready for heavy rainfall and flooding associated with the summer season,' he said. 'This milestone of a government-owned transitional emergency accommodation will drastically reduce the rent paid to privately owned transitional emergency accommodations.' DAILY NEWS
The South African
05-07-2025
- The South African
Police officers among five killed in Marianhill Toll Plaza crash
The bodies of five people, including two policemen, have been recovered following a horrific accident near the Marianhill Toll Plaza on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal. The accident happened on Friday night, 4 July. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements said the minibus taxi, carrying 17 passengers, was travelling to Ixopo when the driver reportedly lost control while trying to avoid a reckless Polo driver. Five people were declared deceased on the scene, three were critically injured, while nine suffered moderate injuries and were rushed to RK Khan Hospital. MEC Siboniso Duma said they are saddened by the death of five people in this accident caused by a polo driver, just after the Marrianhill Toll Plaza. Duma said the minibus taxi veered off the road and plunged 50 meters down the embankment. The recovery of bodies has been completed. 'We lost four women and one male. Of the four women, one was a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in full uniform.' 'We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We wish those in hospital a speedy recovery. We salute the emergency personnel, RTI, eThekwini Metro Police and rescue teams for their dedication,' Duma said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
17-06-2025
- The South African
EFF sends condolences to families of R34 bus crash victims
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has sent condolences to the families of its 10 members who passed away in an accident on the R34 near Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal. The members died following a head-on collision between their bus and a truck on their way home coming from the party's Youth Day rally in Umlazi, south of Durban on Monday. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has also revised the death toll from 12 to 10. As previously reported, KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements and Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said that based on the report from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), after the head-on collision, the truck struck the side of the bus. Sadly, a total of 10 passengers died and were taken to Vryheid mortuary, while ten passengers were seriously injured and were transported to various local hospitals. Moreover, 33 passengers were slightly injured while three suffered moderate injuries, and two victims are in a critical condition. Notably, the truck and bus drivers survived and were also taken to hospital. In a statement, the EFF said the 12 fighters must be remembered as heroes as they lost their lives following a show of support for the revolution they belonged to. 'These were committed fighters who had attended the rally to honour the courage of the youth of 1976 and to continue the struggle for economic freedom. They died in the line of duty, and their lives will never be forgotten. 'The process of identifying the deceased is ongoing and we are working with relevant authorities to ensure families are informed and supported,' the party said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Motorists in KZN warned to stay away as snow forces N2 closure
Heavy snowfall has prompted the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements to close the N2 between Kokstad and Umzimkhulu, warning motorists and so-called 'snow chasers' to stay clear of the area amid dangerous driving conditions. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma announced the closure on Tuesday, citing severe weather that has already left trucks stranded and traffic severely congested. 'To save lives, we have decided to close completely the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg and R603 Tacoma to Reit,' he said. Duma confirmed that the province has deployed more than ten motor graders along key routes to prevent snow buildup from exceeding 30cm. 'Drivers of motor graders are currently being sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove snow,' he explained. The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), in collaboration with local traffic police from Kokstad and Ray Nkonyeni municipalities, is actively managing the situation. Also, their teams are redirecting traffic, assisting stuck vehicles, and working to clear the snow from major routes. The department prioritises critical corridors, including the N2 around Kokstad and Port Shepstone, the N3 between Harrismith and Tugela Toll, and the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg. These areas are among the hardest hit by the storm. KwaZulu-Natal has three Level 6 Orange warnings for disruptive snow, heavy rainfall, and gale-force winds across its southern regions. Duma is scheduled to meet with Ugu District Mayor Skhumbuzo Mqadi, Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Mayor Zandile Mzindle, and other local leaders to coordinate ongoing responses. 'We therefore urge motorists and members of the general public to avoid that area at all costs by delaying their trips to Kokstad,' said Duma. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu Natal MEC Siboniso Duma promises to clear R1. 5 billion payment backlog affecting service providers
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma apologises to affected contractors, confirms R600 million payout this week, and promises a turnaround plan amid technical issues with the new accounting system. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has expressed deep concern over the delay in payments to more than 2,000 service providers, amounting to over R1.5 billion. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said the department remains committed to transparency and accountability and is working urgently to resolve the situation. 'In particular, we are extremely worried about the delays in the payment of service providers who are rendering services to the department across all corners of the province,' Duma said. The department revealed that R600 million is expected to be cleared this week, with the remaining R700 million scheduled for payment over the next two weeks. Many of the affected service providers have reportedly been waiting for payment since January 2025. These include: Construction companies working on roads and bridges, public transport service providers and other general suppliers.
