Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal executive council (exco) has indicated that it is moving to close the sad chapter of the April and May floods.
The council chaired, by Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, held its ordinary meeting in Durban on Wednesday. Among other issues, it discussed the April and May floods and houses near riverbanks.
Provincial government spokesperson Lennox Mabaso said the executive council continued its task of assessing progress being made in rebuilding the province since the floods.
He said the council noted further strides that are being made in getting the lives and livelihoods of the flood victims back to normal.
“The executive council has welcomed the announcement by the Public Works and Human Settlements Department that more accommodation is being secured and made available to move people out of mass care centres into more decent accommodation. This is a clear indication that the province is well on track towards ensuring that by mid-December all flood victims will be out of shelters,” Mabaso said.
“The executive council also welcomed the comprehensive package of ensuring that the flood victims, especially those who are unemployed, are given opportunities under the Expanded Works Programme. This is to help them earn a living through participation in the construction of their permanent residences and other programmes from the Transport and Human Settlements Departments.”
Mabaso said the council made a call for a rethink on houses near riverbanks, after the flooding incident in Msunduzi and other districts in recent weeks.
“While exco appreciated that most people have returned to their homes, exco has called for a rethink on the houses that are built on either riverbanks or flood plains. Exco believes it is crucial for municipalities and disaster teams to proactively do an assessment in this regard and advise communities in order to prevent future disasters,” Mabaso said.
“The provincial government working with the police and justice institutions are working on the challenge of the residents that are still missing, including the fast-tracking of DNA and other measures.”
Mabaso added that the executive council would continue to monitor the clearing of rubble and rebuilding of infrastructure.
Daily News