100 flood victims evicted from Durban hotel over R128m bill
More than 100 flood victims have been evicted from a Durban hotel.
They have been camping on the streets outside the building for over 24 hours.
On Thursday morning, every inch of the sidewalk on Florence Nzama Street was occupied by former residents of the Bayside Hotel.
They say they were kicked out due to a delay in payments by the KZN Department of Human Settlements to the hotel.
READ: Emergency funds activated to assist flood-hit municipalities
The department says it has already spent R185 million on the flood victims, but needs an additional R128 million to settle the bill.
Among those now sleeping on the pavement are young children, elderly people, and breastfeeding mothers, with no access to toilets, beds, or other basic necessities.
One woman told Newswatch she’s frustrated because the government keeps relocating them, leaving them without a permanent roof over their heads.
ALSO READ: Hlabisa: Flood-hit provinces to receive funds soon
Several organisations, such as Gift of the Givers and political parties, have stepped in with food, fruit, and support for the displaced residents.
In the meantime, MEC Siboniso Duma met with the Minister of Human Settlements on Thursday to map a way forward.
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