KwaDukuza counts cost of flood damage

More than 800 homes have been either partially or completely lost as a result of the floods in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, but the number is likely much higher, reports the North Coast Courier.

A preliminary report into flood damage was compiled by the KwaDukuza municipality following oversight visits from 15 to 18 April.

Aside from the homes, 288 roads, 82 bridges, 81 electrical infrastructure sites and 20 public amenities were damaged.

The damage to the electrical infrastructure has been of particular concern, with power outages across KwaDukuza.

Opposition party councillors and the Courier have written to the municipality requesting feedback on the damage and plans for remedial action, but no response had been received by the time of publishing.

Although the numbers are already high, ward councillors said last week they are probably much higher.

“I’m convinced there are many more places that have been affected,” said ward 16 councillor Sabelo Mthiyane.

This was echoed by ward 1 councillor Judith Mpanza.

“I am not happy with these figures. There are about 250 people affected in my ward and here it only lists 84. It appears as if a proper job was not done,” she said.

Community services executive director Siya Khanyile said: “It is important to note that it is a preliminary report and ward councillors were meant to guide municipal teams as to where damage had occurred.”

A sum of R15 000 has been allocated towards burial costs for the families of the 10 residents who died during the floods.

Temporary housing has been arranged for 217 people at nine community halls, where hampers, blankets, stoves, mattresses and sponges were supplied.

However, ward 17 councillor Chellappa Naicker said his ward had not received all of the aid.

“We were frustrated at the beginning because we had little support until the executive directors decided to step up. Let us make it quite clear that all the people did not receive what is listed,” he said.

He raised concerns about the report, saying “council notes [the municipality] does not have capacity to attend to individual damages that has occurred at private premises”.

“Many rate and taxpayers have been affected and I do not agree that they should not be helped,” Naicker said.

Acting municipal manager Nhlanhla Mdakane said it was impossible to administer direct aid and packages from provincial level and national government would be better suited for this purpose.

The report was passed without changes.