City counts cost of floods
The total cost of damages to property due to river erosion is over R10 million
Since the city was ravaged by the flooding in Kwa-Zulu Natal at the beginning of the month, Msunduzi Municipality council has been moving around the city to assess damages, find individuals that have drowned and provide for the communities whose houses were destroyed or washed away.
During a full council meeting yesterday, the municipality reported on their disaster response to date and the costs of the damages.
Currently, 29 people, comprising up to seven families, are being sheltered at Truro Hall in Northdale, after losing their homes in the floods. Acting municipal manager Nelisiwe Ngcobo listed some of the challenges they face at the shelter at Truro, including that the premises are dirty and Sassa pulling out of providing hot food to the victims.
A consultant from the National Lotteries has visited the shelter and agreed that National Lotteries will upgrade the kitchen and assist Human Settlement to rebuild the victims’ houses. In terms of food relief to the flood victims, the municipality is purchasing food parcels, mattresses, blankets and tents on tender and can obtain on short notice. The municipality is also requesting a reallocation of R650 000 towards these relief efforts.
In Msunduzi, 5 277 people were affected by the floods and 315 homes were destroyed. Four lives were lost, and two are still unaccounted for.
Some of the damage caused to infrastructure will cost millions to repair or replace. These include seven sewage pump stations in and around the city, amounting to R4 670 000.
Damages to bridges and water systems around the city have come to over R30 million. A number of properties around the city have also been affected by river erosion, especially in Hayfields, Lincoln Meade, Raisethorpe and Northdale. The total cost of damages to property due to river erosion is over R10 million.
The municipality is also in the process of refining beneficiary lists to ensure all details regarding affected people are updated. This is also to address reports of false claims being submitted to Disaster Management and councillors registering people in their ward who are affected by the overarching issue of poverty and unemployment, but not directly impacted by the floods. The province has warned the municipality to observe all protocols and conduct thorough assessments when dealing with beneficiaries, and warned councillors not to use the floods as an opportunity to address poverty and unemployment.