By More Matshediso
Pretoria - The North West Provincial Government has activated a toll-free number, especially for communities affected by last week’s earth tremor.
North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo urged affected residents to call 0800 22 22 70 from 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
The Premier pronounced the need to activate a toll-free number last week, saying the number will also enable citizens and interested organisations to make donations through the created Disaster Relief Fund account.
The account number 6248 7927 603 was opened at First National Bank to raise funds for families who suffered losses. It will be managed by the Provincial Department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development.
Premier Mahumapelo said the toll-free service will also strengthen coordination of information related to the aftermath of the earth tremor.
Disaster areas
The Premier has since declared a Provincial State of Disaster to provide relief to the 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 on few damaged houses have been received.
“An assessment report on the extent of structural damages is about to be completed by a team of housing inspectors and engineers who have so far, issued clearance engineering certificates for most of the public buildings such as government offices, clinics and schools to be used,” the Premier’s office said.
It added that a Joint Operation Centre comprising parties such as SAPS, EMRS, mines, municipalities and provincial government departments remains operational, to ensure that all activities relating to this disaster are effectively and vigilantly handled.
Humanitarian support
Gift of the Givers foundation and the provincial government will, on Tuesday, donate food parcels, clothing, vegetables and hygiene packages to communities affected by the tremor.
Residents of Khuma, Tigane, Vaal Reefs, Jouberton and Kanana townships will receive these donations.
The donations will be handed over to beneficiaries by MEC for Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development, Manketsi Tlhape, who is leading a government task team on this disaster project. - SAnews.gov.za
