The KwaZulu-Natal government's plans to provide permanent housing for flood victims are gaining momentum, with seven land parcels now officially rezoned for development. Sboniso Duma, the provincial MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, made the announcement, which signifies a significant step toward relocating displaced families from temporary housing. The MEC confirmed that 1,069 families are still staying in rented and ten-room hotels as Transitional Emergency Accommodations.

41 additional families have been forced to relocate as a result of the floods that occurred in Lamontville in February. The MEC stated, "To ensure that we build decent houses, we are currently speeding up the provision of bulk infrastructure such as water and electricity." There have been difficulties in securing relocation-related land acquisition efforts. Over the proposed development, residents of Shallcross and government officials have become enraged. However, as a result of recent discussions with the Shallcross Ratepayers Association, which is led by the newly appointed Head of Department Max Mbili, concerns have been alleviated.

• Community engagement: Cyril Xaba, mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, and the MEC will convene a service delivery imbizo to address unrelated community issues. • Recreational areas: Residents of Shallcross will continue to have access to designated recreation areas. • Allocation of housing: Beneficiaries of the Shallcross community will receive 10% of the newly constructed homes. • Job creation: Locals will be included in the development through general labor employment and subcontracting. • Constant communication: The department head will keep in touch with representatives of the Shallcross community at all times. "The "Not in My Backyard Syndrome" must be eradicated collectively in KZN.

A democratic society built on the solid foundation of the rainbow nation and the spirit of Ubuntu cannot tolerate this attitude, Duma stated. Engagements with traditional leaders have aided further efforts to locate suitable land for permanent housing. Duma acknowledged Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini's assistance in collaborating with Amakhosi to make use of Ingonyama Trust land for housing projects. Duma stated, "We have already met with Inkosi Mqoqi Ngcobo of Amaqadi, who has identified land for the construction of flood victims' homes." In order to locate additional suitable land, additional meetings with other traditional leaders in the eThekwini Municipality are planned.

In addition, the provincial government is organizing a series of izimbizo in each of the 11 district municipalities to discuss housing developments with community members, religious leaders, municipalities, and traditional leaders. He added, "We will also address all challenges related to the impact of climate change and ensure that communities do not build on riverbanks, wetlands, and other inappropriate areas."