The recent torrential rains that have hit Gauteng are estimated to have costs billions of rands, this is due to severe damage to infrastructure, bridges as well as damage to storm-water drainage system.
Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing MEC Humphrey MZ Mmemezi who was joined by his counterpart MEC for Health and Development Ms Ntombi Mekgwe today (Wednesday, 19 January) revealed the extent of the damage during a media conference in Ivory Park, Ekurhuleni.
The MEC’s had just wrapped-up a visit to some of the flood affected areas including Klipspruit River in Soweto, Ivory Park in Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng in the Vaal, Mamelodi East Ext 4 and Centurion, respectively in Tshwane. All these areas were flooded due to heavy December and early January rainfall.
It is standard practice for the government to visit individual households affected to assess the extent of the damages and losses suffered by the victims of either floods or fires. Therefore, the assessment aim is also mobilise stakeholders to assist with humanitarian aid/relief for the victims.
MEC Mmemezi singled out Tshepiso in the Vaal as the hardest hit by the floods. He added that the area would receive immediate assistance. This he said would be made possible through contingency funding from provincial government, national government as well municipalities adding to the costs.
Government’s short-term programme includes the following activities:
- Urgent repairing of roads, storm-water drainage systems
- Waste management and debris removal
- Restoration, repair and replacement of electrical infrastructure
- Environmental rehabilitation and restoration-Parks and Cemeteries
- Restoration of water and sewer systems
But the medium and long term interventions will include among others:
- implementation of Risk Reduction measures to all development plans
- continuing rehabilitation, reconstruction and interventions by different governments
- continuous mobilisation of communities, ward councilors in evacuation plans.
For more information please contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
Tel: 011 355 4013
Eddie Mokoena
Cell: 083 602 5652
Tel: 011 355 4266
