After months of patiently waiting there is light at the end of the tunnel for those impacted by the floods of 2022 after Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda announced that the city would be prioritising repairs and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
He made this announcement in his Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA) report to the council last week.
Mr Kaunda said this was coupled with the approval of grant funding by National Treasury allocated for the damages caused by the tornado in June this year.
“The floods that occurred in both 2022 and 2023 inflicted significant structural damage and disrupted essential infrastructure throughout the city,” said Mr Kaunda.
“While immediate relief and shelter were provided to those affected, financial constraints hindered the city’s ability to promptly and comprehensively restore critical infrastructure.”
Last week the successful application by the city’s leadership warranted the approval by National Treasury to roll over the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant, the Project Preparation Support Grant, and the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant for the Public Employment Programme totalling R1.6 billion.
“After extensive conditional assessments, an estimated amount of R543 million has been approved to implement the necessary interventions for infrastructure restoration after the June 2023 floods,” he said.
“The report tabled at council also recommended that the city’s Human Settlements Unit explore suitable solutions to relocate approximately 160 families affected by floods.”
Ntuzuma resident Patrick Dlamini, a construction worker, said many people in the squatter settlements had suffered during the heavy rains and flooding, and many had lost their lives.
“We are worried whenever there is bad weather. Each time there’s heavy rain, our homes can be easily washed away. Many have lost their loved ones – it is scary. We hope the municipality can help us so we will be safe during the heavy rains,” said Mr Dlamini.
Gugu Qwabe, a domestic worker from Prospecton, said they were always impacted by the rains.
“Our shacks cannot withstand the heavy rains and floods. Many of us have had to rebuild our homes after the heavy rainfalls. It is sad the way we have to live, and we hope the city can make life a little easier for us. We just want to be safe,” she said.
