Quake victims welcome relief efforts

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Pretoria - Matlosana Local Municipality residents, affected by last week's earthquake, have expressed their satisfaction and gratitude to the North West provincial government and the Gift of the Givers Foundation, for their continued efforts to assist them.

“I’m really glad that the provincial government has been with us since that terrible day. Relief in the form of food parcels and cooked meals have been provided since the earthquake, and today’s delivery by aid organisation Gift of the Givers, is even more appreciated,” said Helena Maria, 64, from Stilfontein, in the North West.

She was speaking, on Tuesday, during the distribution of social relief packages provided for all affected communities by the Gift of the Givers, a disaster relief foundation. The distribution took place at Khuma Community Hall.

The packages included 1000 hygiene packs, 1000 food parcels, 1000 clothing packs, 1000 vegetable packs and 2000 sweet packs.

Furthermore, delivery of 100 bags of cement and 100 sheets of corrugated iron are expected, on Wednesday, as a contribution by Gift of the Givers towards the repairing and rebuilding of affected houses.

The offer from Gift of the Givers followed a call made by the North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo for citizens and interested organisations to offer donations and help in kind.  

Welcoming the delivery of the relief packages, MEC for Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development, Manketsi Tlhape, said the humanitarian contribution made by Gift of the Givers must not be left unrecognised. 

“The provincial government is grateful for all the work done by Gift of the Givers, especially in our province because every time we make a call for their generous help, they respond immediately and positively.

“We thank them heartily for the donation, as it will go a long way in maintaining a good health among the affected communities,” said MEC Tlhape.

Premier Mahumapelo has since declared a State of Provincial Disaster to provide relief to affected communities in Khuma, Kanana, Vaal Reefs, Tigane and Jouberton townships in the Matlosana Local Municipality.

Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality has also been declared a Disaster Municipal Area since reports of damaged houses were received.

As indicated by MEC Tlhape, it is envisaged that a report on the damaged structures and quantification of costs will be completed by the end of this week. - SAnews.gov.za