Heavy rainfalls and a mini tornado caused destruction running into millions of rands in Durban. A progress report presented at an eThekwini Municipality executive committee meeting recently shed light on the extent of damages to infrastructure, estimated at more than R287 million.
eThekwini Municipality communications head, Lindiwe Khuzwayo added that 11 people had died and that there had been widespread devastation of homes, roads as well as water and stormwater systems.
“The report also outlined interventions undertaken by various municipal departments, political leadership and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) after the disruptive rains two weeks ago, which affected several municipal wards,” said Ms Khuzwayo.
Since the rainfalls on June 27, assessments have been carried out for 1019 households, revealing a total of 3031 affected individuals – including 1 761 adults and 1 270 children, added Ms Khuzwayo. More incidents have been reported since.
The Disaster Management team, in collaboration with humanitarian agencies, the Department of Social Development, and other social partners, have been actively responding by conducting assessments and providing crucial support to those affected, she said.
“To accommodate displaced individuals, the municipality promptly opened two shelters in Amaoti, Ward 53, and CVV Church, Ward 95, housing approximately 500 people. Temporary relief measures have been put into effect to assist the affected communities. As of Sunday, July 2, all affected individuals in the Amaoti Hall have been able to return to their homes. This is thanks to the tireless efforts of the response teams,” said Khuzwayo.
Municipal departments have conducted rigorous assessments and verifications of the damaged infrastructure, revealing an estimated repair and rehabilitation cost of R287 million – which is likely to be exceeded, said Ms Khuzwayo.
“In light of this, the report recommends that the executive committee, city manager, and chief financial officer reallocate budgets to fund the damages and create reserves for future disasters,” said Ms Khuzwayo.
“It further proposes authorising departments to initiate procurement processes for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure. The mayoral parlour was requested to provide burial assistance to the affected families in accordance with the existing policy.”
The preliminary report will be submitted to the national disaster management centre via the provincial disaster management centre for further support and necessary interventions. A final approval will be made during an upcoming full council meeting, Ms Khuzwayo added.
