More than ten years after plans were made to rebuild unsafe houses in Edendale, the project has once again run into trouble. The main reason is budget cuts, which have caused delays in finishing the reconstruction of homes that were built using wire-mesh in the early 2000s. These houses were part of an experimental design that soon turned into a safety concern for residents.
Background of the Problem
In the early 2000s, a group of houses in Edendale was built using wire-mesh materials. The idea was to try out a cheaper and faster way to build homes. However, soon after construction, these houses were found to be unsafe. They had structural issues and were seen as health and safety hazards.
To fix this, the government planned a rectification project to rebuild 2,086 of these homes properly. The aim was to replace them with stronger, double-storey houses.
But the project has not gone as planned. Many families have been waiting for years to move into safe homes.
The 2013 Agreement
In 2013, the Department of Human Settlements, Msunduzi Municipality, and a private contractor signed an agreement to rebuild the houses with proper materials. The project received a subsidy of R44.7 million.
However, by now, R33.8 million has already been spent, leaving only R10.8 million to complete the rest of the work. This shortage of funds has slowed everything down.
Project Progress So Far
Here is a quick look at the project progress:
| Project Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Total houses to rebuild | 2,086 |
| Houses completed | 1,910 |
| Houses still waiting | 176 |
| Total budget | R44.7 million |
| Amount spent | R33.8 million |
| Remaining funds | R10.8 million |
Although most houses have been rebuilt, 176 units still need to be completed. The delay has left many families waiting in poor conditions.
Main Challenges
According to Nhlanhla Khuzwayo, the City’s deputy municipal manager for sustainable development, several challenges have affected the project:
- Budget problems: There is not enough money to finish the work.
- Environmental issues: Some homes are on flood-prone or wetland areas, which makes construction more difficult.
- Missing beneficiaries: Some original owners cannot be found. Around 40% have either died, sold their houses, or moved away.
These problems have made it hard for the municipality to continue building smoothly.
The 2023 Update
A new agreement was signed in 2023 to cover the remaining 176 homes. However, implementation has been slow due to provincial budget cuts.
In early 2025, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements issued a notice to stop construction from January 13 to March 13. The pause was to allow time for more funding. Despite this, some limited work continued on houses that were nearly done.
Trouble Finding Beneficiaries
Another major problem has been tracing the original owners of the homes. Some residents responded to public notices, but many did not. With nearly 40% of the original beneficiaries unaccounted for, progress has slowed even more.
Khuzwayo said some of the land also needs to be reassessed. Because some sites are in wet or unstable areas, the team must consider changes to house sizes and land use, as well as building retaining walls.
Political and Public Reactions
DA councillor Lungi Mgaga has shown frustration with the ongoing delays. ACDP councillor Rienus Niemand also questioned what steps the City plans to take to finish the project.
Khuzwayo suggested that the municipality should apply for direct funding from the national government. This could help bypass delays from the provincial department and allow work to continue faster.
Relief for Some Residents
Not everything is negative. Some residents have already received their new houses and are very happy.
Two residents, Nelisiwe Nkomo and Thokoza Gwala, moved into their new homes in June. They said their old wire-mesh houses were unsafe and falling apart. Now, they finally feel safe and comfortable.
Their joy gives hope to others still waiting for their turn.
What Lies Ahead
The Edendale housing project still faces many challenges, but the goal remains the same: to provide safe, strong homes for all residents. The main issues are lack of funds, environmental concerns, and missing beneficiaries.
Until more money is released and land problems are solved, many families will remain in unsafe or temporary conditions. Still, for those who have already moved in, it is a fresh start and a sign of hope that the project will one day be complete.
FAQs
What caused the delay in the Edendale housing project?
Budget cuts and funding problems have caused major delays.
How many houses are still not rebuilt?
About 176 houses are still waiting to be rebuilt.
Why were the original houses unsafe?
They were built with wire-mesh materials that failed to meet safety standards.
What is being done to solve the problem?
A new agreement was signed in 2023, and the municipality is seeking direct funding to speed up work.
Have any families moved into new homes yet?
Yes, some families have already moved into safe, completed homes.
