The KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, denies claims by Shallcross residents that eThekwini flood victims will bring criminality and devalue property prices if resettled in their community.

Listen to this article 8 min Listen to this article 8 min The KZN Province's response to resettle displaced victims of floods has met with some resistance by local residents.

Two weeks ago Kwa Zulu Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Sibusiso Duma said residents feared the construction of low-income residential units would result in a decline in property market values of the existing homes, making it difficult for current residents to sell their homes and move elsewhere.

The site where flood victims are being moved to is Shallcross, a collective name for several smaller suburbs located on the rolling hills southwest of Durban, primarily comprising Northdene, Malvern and Escombe. The suburb is regarded as middle class with mostly large, spacious family homes that are close to all business districts. This is where concerns from the community over property value come in.

Spokesperson for the KZN MEC for Human Settlements, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said meetings with Shallcross residents, the ratepayers association and other key stakeholders would be held to ensure a smooth process.

"These meetings, which must take place within the next two weeks, are aimed at ensuring that no community is mobilised to resist the construction of...