Several homes and businesses flooded in KZN. Photo credit: IOL
(The Post News)- The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has accepted the province’s declaration of National State of Disaster by the National Disaster Management Centres (NDMC).
The decision was made after the extreme weather events that affected the province from February 16 to 19. According to KZN COGTA, the devastating incidents, which claimed 22 lives, caused an estimated R3.1 billion in damages.
COGTA Spokesperson Senzelwe Mazola said that the declaration will grant the province access to necessary resources in order to provide assistance to affected communities.
Mazola asserted that this proclamation, made under Section 23(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act of 2002, is a critical intervention to ensure a unified and comprehensive response to the severe repercussions of the latest disruptive “rainfall, thunderstorms, floods, and powerful winds.”
He further underlined the MEC for COGTA’s pledge to the people of KZN, stating that his department will work closely with the NDMC, municipalities, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of response and recovery operations.
Buthelezi said that their “unwavering commitment” lies in providing support and assistance to all affected communities and rebuilding a robust and resilient infrastructure.
The MEC cautioned residents across the province to remain vigilant and adhere to warnings issued by the South African Weather Services, as further rainfall is expected this week.
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