Heavy rains in KZN cause widespread damage to roads and homes

The KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, has kick-started a province-wide inspection to examine the destruction caused by persistent downpours in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

The province has been experiencing prolonged rainfall, since the beginning of the new year, which has damaged roads and houses in various parts of the province.

Mr Duma said the department has received a number of calls, including pictures, and videos from communities that are isolated and battling to access schools, hospitals, and socio-economic centres.

“Prolonged rainfall has caused so much havoc throughout the corners of the province. Bridges have been eroded, especially in deep rural areas, making it difficult for communities to access schools, clinics, and other socio-economic centres,” Mr Duma said.

He added that the rainfall has also affected the construction of new projects and worsened the condition of roads that are being repaired.

“Equally, as we move communities to new houses, a long list of residents without houses is increasing, following the destruction of their houses,” MEC Duma said. “The department has offered to be on the side of the affected communities during this period - working with other departments and spheres of government.”

The province-wide inspection kicked off in KwaMakhutha, KwaNgcolosi and Hillcrest, south west of Durban, where Mr Duma observed the rehabilitation and repair of damaged roads in the areas. The MEC is working with roving teams from both departments. He said the focus is on ensuring that the department accelerates its responses.

“Despite limited resources caused by recurring heavy rainfall and floods, we want to be closer to communities during this period of need,” Mr Duma said.

The MEC is scheduled to visit Vryheid, Empangeni and Melmoth in the northern KZN, and various areas affected by the heavy rainfall in the province.