Durban - Seven months after the devastating floods swept across KwaZulu-Natal leaving a trail of destruction, death and thousands homeless, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube will be providing a comprehensive update on the provincial government’s response.
In a statement on Tuesday, the provincial government said the premier will provide an update on KZN’s recovery on Thursday during a prayer for flood victims at KwaNdengezi Sport Field in eThekwini Municipality.
“Some people are still reported missing and others are being accommodated in mass-care centres in various parts of the province,” said the government.
According to the provincial government, mass-care centres have been reduced from the original 135 to 64, to date.
“The provincial government will also hold a Provincial Day of Prayer to show solidarity with the bereaved families and to pray for those who have passed away, as well as for an end to such tragedies in KwaZulu-Natal,” said the statement.
Last week The Mercury reported that KZN MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sihle Zikalala called on residents whose houses are built on riverbanks to consider moving as their homes are susceptible to being hit by floods.
Zikalala was speaking during a visit to Peace Valley in Pietermaritzburg after houses in low-lying areas were destroyed by heavy rains.
Msunduzi mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said more than 30 families were affected by flooding, but there were no fatalities reported.
According to reports, heavy rain caused the Msunduzi River to burst its banks resulting in flooding affecting communities in wards 11, 16, 21, 22 and 23. This left roads and bridges submerged and some homes destroyed in low-lying areas.
Zikalala said weather patterns had changed drastically and flooding was becoming more frequent and severe.
“Our province is prone to weather-related incidents, especially during the spring and summer seasons. We all share a responsibility in ensuring that we heed the weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service so that we can protect ourselves and our families.”
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