eThekwini plans to build homes to tackle land crisis
eThekwini says it's confident the 700 plots of land it's identified - will help ease the housing backlog in the city.
Land invasions have been a common occurrence in the city recently - with efforts to remove occupiers often turning violent.
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela says the housing problems are exacerbated by the influx of people seeking better opportunities.
He says once the land acquisition process is complete - houses will be built close to economic hubs.
"The plots are going to be serviced. We are going to put infrastructure of water, sanitation and electricity. There are people that have the capacity - financially to build their own houses. The problem is - the sites that are available in private markets are very expensive. It's incumbent on us as government that we make available those plots of land for such people," he said.
