ETHEKWINI Municipality Mayor James Nxumalo has, on Friday, 13/09/2013, announced that allocation of beneficiaries for the Cornubia Human Settlements project have started and the first phase of the project would be occupied by the end of this year.

Members of the Executive Committee (EXCO) conducted a tour to assess progress in the construction of the project which is situated north of Durban.

EXCO members were pleased with the progress at the site so far. Nxumalo said Phase 1A of the project, which has 482 units and targeted those with a monthly income of less than R3 000, was nearly complete. He said as per allocation policy, 250 units had been allocated to people from various Wards including those who were on the way of services.

The remaining 232 units were to be allocated to residents from one informal settlement within eThekwini, which would then be demolished. This informal settlement is yet to be identified.

“The plan is to clear slums in eThekwini Municipality and for us to make an impact, we need to identify one informal settlement to occupy the remaining units and demolish that informal settlement completely,” Nxumalo said.

Basic services, including electricity and water, were expected to be connected by October, as the infrastructure for these services was already in place. The high-rise structures are similar to starter homes and consist of two bedrooms, a bathroom and toilet as well as an open plan kitchen with lounge.

Mayor Nxumalo said the project is expected to yield 25 000 units in the next 10 years. He said the housing project will target low, middle and upper income citizens and will also combine an industrial and commercial project, providing residents with employment opportunities at their doorsteps.

An amount of R100 million was spent on Phase 1A while Phase 1B, which will consists of 2 200 units, will cost about R550 million. Phase 1B is currently on tender process and construction is expected to start towards the end of this year.

Giving feedback on economic development in the area, Deputy Mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala said almost 80% of the business sites had already been sold and infrastructure was currently being developed.

Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr. Nigel Gumede said the Municipality had plans to replicate the project in other areas.

He said the process of renaming Cornubia was undergoing Council processes.

“I am hoping that when the project is launched officially, the name will also be finalised,” he said.

Ends