A SPECIAL clean-up operation in areas which were affected by the heavy rains last week was conducted by eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede, the Executive Committee and eThekwini councillors.

The devastating rains caused massive destruction to roads, buildings and infrastructure in the areas, south of the city. The clean-up operation began in Isipingo which was declared a disaster area.

“All council departments from Cleansing and Solid Waste to Roads and Storm Water Management, from Water and Electricity Units to Parks Department were on hand to repair, restore and ensure that areas were cleaned and communities were assisted. The city fixed road infrastructure, cleared sand build up, unblocking drains, removed fallen trees and went beyond the call of duty cleaning streams of filth, litter, old tyres and even vehicles that were washed away during the storm,” said  eThekwini Municipality’s head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa.

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Councillors, officials and volunteers were deployed to communities in Umlazi, Folweni and KwaMakhutha while Gumede visited the community in Malukazi and distributed blankets, mattresses and food parcels.

Deputy Mayor, Fawzia Peer also visited Montclair where a building had collapsed.

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The Municipality called on all community members, business and other stakeholders to take ownership of their areas and play a role towards achieving this vision by taking pride in their surroundings and ensuring compliance with the various City bylaws. The city bylaws can be found on www.durban.gov.za/Resource_Centre/Pages/default.aspx.

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