KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has commended the swift actions of disaster management teams and non-governmental organisations that led to the evacuation of over 100 residents from flooded areas in the town of Ladysmith.
Today, Hlomuka visited the disaster-struck area to assess the extent of the damage caused by the flooding and to monitor the rollout of relief. During his visit, Hlomuka was accompanied by the Mayor of the uThukela district Cllr Shabalala, the Mayor of the Alfred Duma local municipality Cllr Sibisi and Inkosi Sithole who is the Chairperson of the uThukela Local House of Traditional Leaders.
Hlomuka engaged with some of the affected business owners and members of the community and assured them of the government’s commitment to deal with the cause of the flooding and find a permanent solution that will protect the town from future flooding.
According to disaster management teams, heavy rains in the catchment areas have led to the uThukela River bursting its banks over the weekend and affecting communities and towns located along its path.
MEC Hlomuka has warned communities along the banks of the river exercise extreme caution. “Currently the bridge linking Kranskop and Nkandla is submerged in water, we appeal to the community in this area to not go near the bridge and for parents to guard their children” said Hlomuka.
Similarly, in the Mandeni local municipality 20 families had to be evacuated yesterday from their homes that were located near the river in Ward 7 (Shekembuya area).
Also, in the Msinga local municipality, Ward 5 (Bathenjini area) 15 people were evacuated yesterday and moved to uMkhuphulangwenya (Sampofu area in Ward 4) to the Municipal Hall for safety.
The province has been experiencing inclement weather conditions since early December which have left a trail of death and destruction in their wake. So far 25 people have lost their lives with two people still missing.
Issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
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