At least 20 million has been spent to rebuild the homes of Duduza after a tornado struck the area last year. The private sector contributed 14.3 million towards the rebuilding of the houses destroyed by the devastating tornado.
More than 600 houses were destroyed with at least 238 completely destroyed and had to be rebuild from the scratch. The tornado also claimed the life of a one young school boy dead.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, Local Government and Housing MEC Ntombi Mekgwe and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality joined the residents to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Duduza disaster that left many of the residents homeless.
Speaking to the residents Premier Mokonyane said she is happy that all the affected families are back in their homes. “Exactly year ago today, these very same eyes were flooding with tears after a tragedy struck this peaceful community. As government we have stayed with you through difficult times and after a year we see a new Duduza that has been transformed after that fateful night, “said Premier Mokonyane.
Mokonyane said the community has made a commendable recovery from the impact of the tornado. “I see a community that refused to be defined by the misery and loss left by that horrific disaster. You decided to work together with the government to rebuild your own lives,” she said.
She cautioned the residents against what she calls ‘tourist” political parties. “It was saddening and embarrassing that during the time of difficulty for the people of Duduza, some opposition political parties were taking advantage and busy scoring cheap political goals,” lamented Mokonyane.
She said the people of Duduza needed someone to help them to put their lives back together again, and taking advantage of their plight was a shame to say the least.
Most of the work to rebuild houses is done, and only one Construction Company is left to finish their work. A significant number of the affected families were back to their homes by Christmas.
For further information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail: Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
