Two remaining bodies of three residents who were swept away by floods in New Hanover have been identified, as recovery and humanitarian efforts continue across affected communities.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma reported that the Mayor of Umshwathi Local Municipality Mandla Zondi, Ward 02 Local Councillor Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo, and uMgungundlovu Disaster team, informed the department that the body of one resident who was swept away has been identified. All known victims have been recovered.
Giving an update on intervention by Human Settlements, following a visit by Minister Thembi Simelane, Duma said the department’s roving team has been deployed to support the ongoing recovery process and to work closely with municipal and disaster officials on the ground.
Duma expressed his deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
The MEC confirmed the close to 19 homes that were destroyed by the floods and the recent hailstorm in New Hanover will receive urgent assistance.
He commended Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane for her swift intervention following her oversight visit to the area on Monday.
“Her visit on Monday has augmented our intervention. We have agreed that landlords who built houses along the riverbank will no longer be allowed to rent out their places. Tenants will look for safe alternative places to rent.
“People who live in both mud and block houses, not built by government, will be given Temporary Residential Units (TRU) and their houses will be demolished,” Duma said.
Duma said the department is also managing the possibilities of relocating four families who are living in houses built by the government, as the policy does not allow them to receive state housing support twice.
“Engineers will be assessing houses built away from the riverbank, which are also flooded during rainy days.”
Following another storm on Tuesday night, Duma said the department has been receiving reports from the roving teams from human settlements in various district municipalities that houses across municipalities have sustained damage.
He said information is still being consolidated as teams collaborate with disaster management officials to ensure that “no one is left behind.”
On transport, Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team is monitoring traffic and ensuring the safety of motorists.
“We have our engineers who are also assessing road infrastructure. They will indicate if there is any need to close certain road networks. We urge motorists to keep a following distance and reduce speed,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
