For 17 years, some of Lamontville’s flood victims have called the eMhlabeni transit camp home, and after yet another devastating flood last week, their hopes for a better life seem to have evaporated. Displaced multiple times, many now see their prospects of relocation as nothing more than empty promises from government officials.
The saga began in 2008, when floods in uMlazi forced families into the eMhlabeni camp, where they were promised temporary shelter and eventual relocation to proper homes. But as the years passed, and the community grew, those promises were never fulfilled. The residents are now grappling with overcrowded conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and the constant threat of more floods.
Nomonde Mkhize, a mother of two, spoke candidly about the disillusionment many residents feel. “We thought this was a temporary move, but this has become permanent. We are stuck here with no hope,” she shared, recalling how she had previously lived in uMlazi before the 2008 floods. Now, almost two decades later, the idea of a proper home seems like a distant dream.
During a recent visit to the region, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane pledged to accelerate the relocation process, vowing that the government would speed up efforts to provide flood victims with permanent housing. However, many in Lamontville, like Sibongile Nzimande, were not convinced. “They only react after the damage is done. It’s always promises, but nothing changes,” she said, expressing frustration over the government’s inability to prevent the recurring disasters.
The flood victims’ plight has grown more urgent following the tragic deaths of seven people at eMhlabeni after last week’s torrential rains. The camp’s inadequate facilities—shared outdoor ablution blocks—and its dangerous proximity to the uMlazi River have led to mounting fears among residents about their safety.
Simelane’s two-day visit did little to quell the growing anger. During her visit, she promised relocation plans, including moving 225 people whose homes were eroded, and providing housing for 229 families in Georgedale. But the victims remain skeptical, having heard similar promises for years.
Meanwhile, another controversy has emerged around the government’s plans to build low-cost housing in Shallcross, Chatsworth, for the flood victims. Community opposition has flared, with some residents allegedly firing gunshots in protest. Community leader Marcus Richards denied the claims, attributing the gunshots to the area’s ongoing crime issues.
The frustration of Lamontville’s flood victims is a powerful reminder of the urgency needed for meaningful government action. After years of displacement and hardship, their calls for concrete solutions continue to grow louder, but time is running out.
