The MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Norman Mokoena, the Executive Mayor of Ehlanzeni District, Councillor Constance Mkhonto and the Executive Mayors of Mbombela and Nkomazi Local Municipalities, Councillor Lassy Chiwayo and Councillor John Mavuso have received a preliminary report on the damages caused by the storm that hit the communities in Mattafin, Kwa Mhlushwa and Langeloop.
The preliminary report indicates that in Kwa Mhlushwa, a four year old child has allegedly drowned and police are still searching for her body. In Langeloop 115 houses were affected, 35 had their roofs completely blown off, 24 roofs were partially blown off, six houses were totally demolished and 50 houses had their window panes damaged. The report also indicates that two schools had their roofs blown off and 30 households were affected due to infrastructure like the electricity poles being blown away and the roads being damaged and inaccessible.
In Mattafin the report indicates that 150 houses were affected, 147 had their roofs blown off but they have since been repaired, one house was flooded and two houses were demolished. The report also indicates that streets were damaged and therefore making some areas in accessible.
As an immediate relief in Langeloop, government has provided 100 blankets, 20 tarpaulins and four tents. In Mattafin one household has been provided with a tent.
Government departments have also been dispatched to the affected areas to provide the necessary support. The Department of Social Services will be dispatched to the affected areas to provide food parcels and counselling to the affected families, the Department of Public Works Roads and Transport will repair the affected schools, the Department of Human Settlements will look at issues of emergency housing and the Department of Home Affairs to assist with damaged identity documents. The department will also engage churches and non governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide soup kitchens in the affected areas. Eskom will be engaged immediately to assist restore electricity in the affected areas.
MEC Norman Mokoena and the Executive Mayors will also engage the private sector to assist with additional relief aid.
“The department has also advised all municipalities to be on full alert and on standby for any possible storms as more rains are expected as we enter the rainy season. We welcome the rains, during this time of year and due to the water scarcity we are faced with but we urge communities to be on alert during this rainy season for any possible floods or storms, and they must report these to the department’s disaster toll free number 0800 202 507,” said Mokoena.
Enquiries:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
12 November 2009
