Story By: Zibuse Ndlovu

Work on the first phase of the giant Cornubia Development, which includes 5 000 housing units, will begin early next year. That’s the assurance from eThekwini Housing Committee Chairman, Councillor Nigel Gumede after the Municipality and the KZN Department of Human Settlements, secured 570ha of land in Umhlanga from Tongaat Hulett. Gumede said negotiations were under way to acquire an additional 100ha. However, he warned that delays were almost inevitable, since the land was initially zoned for agriculture. “It is expensive to rezone such a massive piece of land and the province is reluctant to pay for the zoning of provincial roads. This all causes delays,” said Gumede.

The R20-billion project was first mooted by Mayor Obed Mlaba in 2005. It will incorporate low income and middle-income housing, schools, businesses, clinics and other infrastructure. “The aim is not just to deliver housing, but also primary and secondary economic opportunities,” said Gumede. The project will eventually be home to some 200 000 people in 30 000 homes. “Tenders are out for the construction of the houses and infrastructure, and we would like to see small contractors being empowered, especially women,” said Gumede.

Land Manager in the Housing Unit Belinda Benson said town planning layout for Phase 1 had been approved by the Council and was with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Construction of an access bridge was complete and the Municipality was amending the layout slightly to reduce noise from low-flying aircraft. “We want to create an opportunity for residents to work, live and play in the area,” said Benson. “The Municipality identified the project as a key flagship project to accommodate a significant portion of the housing backlog within its boundaries,” said Gumede.

ndlovuz@durban.gov.za