In the wake of devastating fires that have ravaged large parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has called for a review of how funding is allocated to local government, especially for small rural municipalities.
The MEC made this call yesterday, 11 July, during a visit to disaster-hit areas under Nkandla and uMlalazi Local Municipality, where 196 houses were totally destroyed by the runaway fires, resulting in one life lost, three people injured, and 751 people affected.
During the visit, the MEC was accompanied by the Mayor of the uMlalazi Local Municipality, Cllr. Queen Xulu, the leadership of the Nkandla local municipality, and senior officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre. The delegation visited the Gazu household to provide support and monitor the rollout of interventions, including the construction of a Temporary Residential Unit and other interim relief measures aimed at supporting the family during this difficult time.
As part of a broader intervention, MEC Buthelezi handed over fire beaters, which will
be distributed to municipalities in the Zululand and King Cetshwayo Districts.
This vital equipment will bolster the municipalities’ capabilities to combat future fire outbreaks in surrounding communities.
“Our small municipalities are struggling in terms of capacity and desperately need more resources so they can implement preventative measures that will mitigate the impact of disaster incidents. We are committed to championing this call for a review of how municipalities are funded, especially in light of the reality of climate change and the constant incidents that put more strain on the limited resources of our smaller
municipalities based in rural areas,” stated MEC Buthelezi.
Impact on Farmers
The raging fires destroyed pastures and livestock in both the King Cetshwayo and Zululand Districts. Preliminary assessments show that over 3,000 hectares of grazing land and crops were destroyed by the veldfires. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre, working with other departments, continues to roll out interventions aimed at assisting farmers badly affected by the runaway fires.
The MEC for Cogta will visit affected farmers in the Ulundi Local Municipality on Sunday, where he will roll out relief aimed at supporting farmers affected by the fires.