Four years on, Durban flood victims remain in deteriorating Astra Building

Four years since the April 2022 floods, 285 displaced residents residing at Durban's Astra Building have endured deteriorating conditions, according to a report. The building, located on Joseph Nduli Street (previously Russell Street), houses flood victims from nine community halls across eThekwini. Issues include a non-operational lift, frequent water shortages, uncollected waste, and leaking roofs, rendering the accommodation unfit for human habitation.

Ruth Mthethwa, a 66-year-old resident from Mpola, compared her living conditions unfavorably to jail, stating that prisoners receive basic necessities like water and meals, whereas she must purchase groceries on her own. Mthethwa, who suffers from a previous ankle injury, faces a challenging daily routine of climbing the 14-floor stairs multiple times a day to access essentials.

Sibongile Mkhize, a flood victim and activist, highlighted the dire situation for vulnerable residents, including the elderly, disabled, and children. The lack of a functioning elevator exacerbates their struggles, making it difficult to access upper floors for tasks like laundry, shopping, and waste disposal. Mkhize, who relies on selling food on Durban's CBD streets to support her family, expressed frustration over being banned from cooking and serving her products in the building despite the government discontinuing free transport for pupils in June.

The continuous absence of an elevator has also led to refuse piling up, attracting pests and further deteriorating living conditions. Nomvula Dlamini, a 58-year-old resident from Mega Village, revealed that her dyspnea, a breathing condition, further complicates her daily movement between floors. Despite her repeated complaints to building management, no assistance has been provided, leaving the victims to fend for themselves.