The eThekwini Municipality executive committee has approved an additional R320million towards a housing rehabilitation project to repair and reconstruct low-cost houses in areas around Durban.

Spokesperson Nigel Gumede said the council would also apply for R280million from the provincial Department of Human Settlements.

"The grant from the province would service shortfalls in budget allocations in townships like Chatsworth, Lamontville, Umlazi and KwaMashu."

He said although the council had initially authorised R500million towards the refurbishment of houses in the townships, this amount was exceeded as some of the houses were badly damaged and had to be rebuilt.

"These are houses that were under the former KwaZulu administration, and later the Department of Human Settlements, and they are now the responsibility of the municipality.

"Inadequate storm water control had also undermined many house foundations, and these costs were not included in the original scope of work," Gumede said.

"Houses in 22 areas around eThekwini will be rehabilitated under the project. This will benefit mostly black communities in the townships.

"After a house is renovated, the occupants are given a lease and the onus is on them to take good care of it."

Nonhlanhla Maphumulo from Ntuzuma said her family was pleased with the rebuilding of their home.

She said it was a moving experience seeing contractors put final touches to the house after witnessing it being demolished.

"We were excited when we were given keys to our home," she said.

"The house has tiles in the bathroom and a ceiling, unlike the old one."