The North West Provincial Government has today created a disaster relief fund account to assist families who suffered losses as a result of the earth tremor that affected most parts of the province on Tuesday, 5 August. The account has been opened at First National Bank and its number is 6248 7927 603. The account will be managed by the Provincial Department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development.
Making a clarion call to fellow citizens and interested organisations to help out by donating to the North West Disaster Relief Fund, the Premier Mr Supra Mahumapelo said the donated funds will greatly help deliver aid in the most effective manner possible.
Furthermore, Premier Mahumapelo said the need for a call centre to be established has been identified, adding that this service will strengthen coordination of information related to the repercussions of the earth tremor, since sporadic incidents have been reported in other Districts of the province.
It is expected that a report that will be produced by a team of engineers that has started assessing the structural defects of all households, public buildings like schools, clinics and offices, will state the financial implications thereof.
Premier Mahumapelo said the report which will be sent to the National Disaster Management Centre, should be concluded before the end of next week.
“It is this assessment report that will direct government on which areas to urgently concentrate on,” affirmed Premier Mahumapelo, “and as government, we remain highly committed to help in rebuilding the houses destroyed, repairing the affected public buildings, and restoring calmness in particularly Khuma location, Stilfontein, where more than 600 families have been affected by this occurrence,” said Premier Mahumapelo.
Premier Mahumapelo who today visited Vuyani Mawethu Secondary School in Khuma which has sustained extensive structural damages, told a media briefing that the department of Education and Sport Management has since identified other classes within the affected schools that can be utilised until the situation is normalised, this to ensure that schooling is not disturbed. Other highly affected schools are Borakanelo High and Straatvaal Primary.
On the state of health facilities in the Matlosana Local Municipality, Premier Mahumapelo informed the media that:
a) Park Street Clinic in town is damaged and will be indefinitely closed.
b) Stilfontein Clinic – the ceilings and floors have been badly damaged; therefore the clinic will remain indefinitely closed to undertake repairs.
c) Botshabelo Community Health Centre – has some cracks, however the facility is operational.
d) Umuzimuhle Clinic – the ceiling in the passage had fallen off. Anglo Gold Ashanti is presently repairing the ceiling and the facility will be operational by end of this week.
e) Grace Mokhomo Community Health Centre – electricity has been restored and the facility is operational.
f) Excelsius Nursing College – The lecture rooms, students’ residence and lecturers’ offices are inhabitable, and all have been moved to the Emergency Medical Service College in Orkney.
To ensure that provision of health services to the community is not compromised, a contingency plan has been developed, whereby patients are being transported to other operating facilities when there is a need.
Mahumapelo also confirmed that temporary accommodation, counselling and social relief of distress were being provided to the affected community members in Khuma.
A Joint Operation Centre comprising all parties has been established and will remain operational until all activities have been concluded.
For more information contact:
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
