Premier calls for repair after devastating storms
KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has issued directives for the provincial government to expedite the repair of critical infrastructure, especially schools, homes, and roads, in the wake of extensive damage caused by thunderstorms and gale force winds over the weekend.
The severe storm left a trail of destruction across most of the province's districts.
Ms Dube-Ncube, alongside Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, Human Settlements and Public Works MEC Sipho “KK” Nkosi, and Mayor of uMkhanyakude District Municipality Councillor Siphile Mdaka, led an oversight visit to the heavily impacted area of Mtubatuba within the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
"Many schools and homes have been damaged, and electricity infrastructure has been destroyed, leaving people homeless and without power. Our provincial budget alone won't cover the cost of this devastation," remarked Ms Dube-Ncube.
The premier emphasized the need for prompt clearing of debris from classrooms, where possible, and the urgent installation of temporary classroom structures in cases of complete damage to ensure that matric examinations proceed as planned.
"I am deeply saddened by the devastating impact of the recent storm on these communities. We are actively working on plans to assist all those affected and are engaging with the national government to request support as we deal with this disaster," added the premier.
Six people have died, including one who was struck by lightning in the Mpofana Local Municipality under the Umgungundlovu District. In Mtubatuba, five people, including a one-year-old child, lost their lives due to structural collapse caused by heavy rains and strong winds.
Ms Dube-Ncube assured the government's commitment to assisting grieving families with burial arrangements, recognizing that many lost their possessions in the storm.
"As a compassionate government, we have decided that the provincial government will help families lay their loved ones to rest. Some families are unable to conduct these services on their own, and we will provide the necessary support to ensure dignified burials," she said.
She called upon dedicated teams on the ground, including ward councillors, speakers, and mayors, to profile every affected citizen. The province has also pledged psychological support for all those impacted, and the assessment will continue until all victims are accounted for.
The on-going assessment has revealed over 600 households across the province suffering damage. During the premier's visit, it was reported that over 134 houses were destroyed in Somkhele and KwaMyeki, located in Umtubatuba Local Municipality areas, leaving numerous families homeless. Residents have also reported the loss of valuable livestock, including goats, chickens, and cows.
"We are grateful for the assistance provided by the South African National Defence Force in clearing affected areas, as some roads are blocked by fallen poles and cables, with debris scattered throughout. We also appreciate the swift response from social partners like the South African Red Cross, who are on the ground working with the government. While we cannot determine the full extent of the damage, reports indicate that it is substantial," Ms Dube-Ncube acknowledged.
The Department of Human Settlements will expedite the process of providing temporary structures to families whose houses were completely destroyed.
In addition to the Umtubatuba Local Municipality in the Umkhanyakude District, other affected areas include the Greater Kokstad Municipality in the Harry Gwala District, where heavy rains and a hailstorm in Pakkies Location caused significant damage. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities, injuries, or displaced individuals reported at this time. In Umzimkhulu Municipality, four households were affected by heavy rains in Madakeni location, with no fatalities reported.
The storm also caused damage in some parts of the uThukela District Municipality.
The premier encouraged all those affected to reach out to their ward councillors or other public representatives as the province prepares its interventions.
"On behalf of the provincial government, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in this disaster."
