The municipality was located in a storm belt corridor, which made it susceptible to storm-related disasters. The 2006-2011 IDP focused on urban renewal, of which an application was made to the department in 2007. Confirmation of R50 million was received and the project was earmarked to be a presidential project. However, the province subsequently reported that there was no policy to allow the funds to be released. In 2007, the President visited Zakheni and emphasised that the urban project would proceed. In 2008, the area was struck by floods and storms, and in 2009 a business plan was submitted to the Department of Human Settlements. An amount of R18 million was released for immediate relief by the province, but this amount was inadequate. The storm struck the area repeatedly and the situation deteriorated considerably. The municipality was in the process of reviewing its business plan.