Speaker, Lizzie assess hailstorm effects in Pigg’s Peak
PIGG’S PEAK – In the aftermath of a devastating storm that swept through parts of Eswatini on February 5, 2024, residents of Nsangwini, Nginamadolo and Luhlangotsini are still grappling with the destruction left in its wake.
These communities, situated under Pigg’s Peak Inkhundla and partially extending into Ndzingeni and Nkhaba constituencies, are still feeling the storm’s effects and are in desperate need of assistance.
The storm’s fury resulted in extensive damage to structures, infrastructure and vegetation. Electricity poles were knocked down, homes and schools were destroyed, roads were rendered impassable and even the surrounding forests were not spared.
suffering
Though most of the infrastructure has since been fixed, many of the residents are still suffering the effects as even crop such as maize had been destroyed. Some houses were also destroyed and are still being fixed, while some are still using tents for shelter.
The aftermath of the storm presents a grim picture, with people left destitute and struggling to piece their lives back together.
The situation is particularly dire for residents who lost their homes in the storm. Many families are currently without shelter, as their homes were ravaged by the windstorm, leaving them exposed and vulnerable.
Jabulani ‘Buy Cash’ Mabuza, the Member of Parliament for Pigg’s Peak, who is also the Speaker of Parliament, expressed his deep concern for those affected, particularly in the Pigg’s Peak Inkhundla and surrounding areas. According to Mabuza, the residents in Nsangwini, Nginamadolo, and Luhlangotsini were hit the hardest by the storm. Also, accompanying Mabuza was Senator Lizzie Nkosi, who is a former Minister of Health and Pigg’s Peak philanthropist.
In addition to the destruction of homes, the storm also wreaked havoc on food crops, leaving many residents without a source of livelihood.
It also affected some livestock.
The situation, according to Mabuza, was dire, posing a significant challenge for families in terms of food supply.
Extent
Following the storm, Mabuza visited the affected areas, witnessing first-hand the extent of the damage. Also, officials from other department such as the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and also the Baphalali Red Cross arrived to assess the situation.
Mabuza revealed that many houses were severely
damaged, leaving residents in a state of despair and uncertainty.
In response to the disaster, officials from (NDMA), accompanied by officials from Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross, sprang into action immediately after the storm. Emergency plans were put in place such as providing tents for shelter and other supplies temporarily while the residents found other means of sustainance.
Despite these initial efforts, the situation remains critical, with many residents stating that their situation is still dire. Mabuza expressed hope that further assistance would be provided promptly, enabling the affected communities to begin the process of rebuilding and recovery.
Unpredictable
Mabuza also emphasised the unpredictable nature of climate change, reminding residents that no one could control its destructive forces or accurately predict its impact.
As the residents of Nsangwini, Nginamadolo and Luhlangotsini grapple with the aftermath of the storm, their resilience and determination are evident. The communities are coming together to support one another, even as they await any further assistance and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to provide assistance and support to the affected residents. As the communities begin the long and challenging process of recovery, their courage and resilience stand as a testament to their strength and determination in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, some of the elderly residents who were spoken to expressed concern regarding the situation, adding that they were still in need of urgent assistance as they were no longer able to build their own houses.
One such elderly, of Nsangwini, *Muzi highlighted how he was still going to survive.
He said though he was employed as a security guard, he still relied on growing crops for food as the money he earned was not enough to sustain his livelihood. Muzi thanked NDMA for assisting with other basic needs such as shelter. Further, he said he had also received some food but was hoping that there would be no other storm in the near future.
Meanwhile, it is not the first time the residents of these communities have been affected by storms. Nginamadolo is prone to the devastating effects of storms. Even before this recent storm, the area was ravaged by a storm, with some of the houses being destroyed.