NEWS
Page 3 METRO ezasegagasini
24 June – 07 July 2022
SERVICE DELIVERY IN YOUR WARD
Tears flow as floods victims receive new houses
SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI TEARS flowed freely down the faces of flood victims when they were given the keys to their new homes. Five families moved into new houses in Wyebank, which were donated to the City by various local businesses to assist flood victims. Among the beneficiaries is a family who lost their four children when their house in Clermont was washed away in the floods. Another family is still looking for their mother whose body has not been recovered, while another recipient’s family have children who are disabled. The beneficiaries were relocated from ward 22 in Clermont. Mmeli Sokhela said they are still battling to come to the terms with the tragedy of losing their children. “We never thought that all our children would be wiped out at the same time and that we would also be homeless. The donation
of a new home brings some relief that we can at least sleep safely. Sadly, my children are not here to enjoy this new home. We thank government and the sponsors for their intervention,” said Sokhela. EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda and eThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Philani Mavundla handed over the five houses to the families. The housing recipients lost their homes and all their belongings as well as family members during the floods in April and May. Mayor Kaunda said: “We thank the businesses who lent a helping hand to build homes for families who lost everything during the floods. We also wish to assure the public that we are doing everything we can to speed up the process to resettle families.”
families who are in dire situations. “We understand that the floods affected many families. For now, we are focusing on assisting those who lost loved ones and those in mass care centres. We urge businesses, especially those who are entrepreneurs, to help government speed up the process to provide homes for these families,” said Councillor Mavundla. To date, more than 145 families have been provided with building materials to rebuild their homes in areas not prone to flooding. In addition, the KwaZulu- Natal Department of Human Settlements has also constructed more than 38 Temporary Residential Units. Assessment of suitable land is underway and when the green light is given, town planners will sub- divide the land. siphelele.buthelezi@durban.gov.za
Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda and eThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Philani Mavundla handed over five houses built in Wyebank. The houses were donated to the City by various local businesses to assist flood victims. Picture: PHUMELELE MTHEMBU
Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Mavundla said the priority is to resettle
Road repairs serve as bridge of hope City works to repair roads after floods MLUNGISI DLAMINI RESIDENTS of Georgedale near Hammarsdale, who
currently must travel long distances to catch public transport and other services, will be pleased to know that Mthoko Mkhize Drive, which was severely damaged in the recent floods is being rehabilitated. The recent floods caused havoc and left many families without homes and claimed people’s lives. Georgedale, in ward 5, was among the most affected areas. The Municipality is working tirelessly to restore the situation to its normality. The Department of Roads and Stormwater is working hard to rehabilitate Mthoko Mkhize Drive which was severely damaged and the bridge flooded. Houses nearby were also submerged in water. The road belongs to the Provincial Department of Transport, however, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda requested the Engineering Unit to intervene with the rehabilitation of the road. Stormwater Superintend for the Western Region in the Hammarsadale Depot Siziwe Hadebe, together
MLUNGISI DLAMINI THE Ntuzuma community has lauded the Municipality for a job well done as road repairs are underway in the area. This includes Mavi Avenue, block five, in Ntuzuma which has been cleared and rehabilitated after the floods severely damaged infrastructure. Ward committee member Mbekiseni Shange along with City officials were on site while rehabilitation of Mavi Avenue was carried out. Shange said with the road being damaged, residents and service providers were unable to access crucial services such as water tankers and that meter readings could not be done. “Residents had to travel a long distance to access water tankers as the area was inaccessible due to the road being damaged. We are delighted that the Municipality has cleared the road,” said Shange. Resident Themba Ntuli said the impact of the
EThekwini Municipality employees are hard at work repairing damaged infrastructure to bring hope to residents following the devastating impact of the recent floods. Picture: SUPPLIED
with her team are working to rehabilitate the damaged bridge and road and also draining stagnant water from residents’ homes. “This project is huge, it requires dedication and resistance. Once the water is drained, rehabilitating of the road will be done, following a directive from the Municipality, since the road belongs to the provincial department,” said Hadebe. Resident Nduna Nxumalo commended
the Municipality for taking initiative to repair the road. “I appreciate the Municipality for their intervention. We recommend that the Municipality should build a strong bridge that will not be easily collapse. Residents are forced to travel a long distance to catch transport to town because this road was damaged by the floods. Water infrastructure was also damaged,” added Nxumalo. mlungisi.dlamini@durban.gov.za
The rehabilitation of Mavi Avenue in Ntuzuma has brought joy to residents. Picture: SUPPLIED
floods in April and May were long lasting and affected many residents. “Most of us were affected economically, businessmen were unable to buy and
deliver goods because of damaged infrastructure. We are thankful for the work being done to bring hope to communities,” said Ntuli. mlungisi.dlamini@durban.gov.za
BIN IT
REDUCE • REUSE • RECYLE
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