#KZNFLOOD: Residents take matters into their own hands
By Tuesday afternoon the rains which wreaked havoc on large parts of KwaZulu-Natal had subsided.
ON Easter Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 443 people had died. In his address, he declared a national state of disaster after the floods caused massive devastation and deployed the SA National Defence Force to help restore the supply of water and electricity.
In Shongweni however, residents wasted no time in trying to restore their area. Efforts to fix the damage caused by massive flooding, rock falls and mudslides in Shongweni got underway. According to a resident, Leeann Cutting, the MR551 Road collapsed leaving a 15-meter gaping crevice with a raging torrent of water running through.
“This collapse made it impossible to cross the area leaving hundreds of families completely stranded without electricity, water, or access to food or basic supplies,” said a distressed Cutting.
The bridge crossing the Sterkspruit River had also collapsed shortly after, isolating residents even further and leaving the Kwandengezi area without access to the MR551 Road and Hillcrest.
Cuttings said, “Robbie and Kayla Smith, initiated a project and collected food donations at Caltex Garage in Hillcrest. A total 19 bikers braved the dangerous conditions to bring food relief to residents.”
According to Cutting, the aftermath and damage brought the community closer together. “I really learnt a lot about humanity whilst co-ordinating this project. I was dumbfounded by the kindness and generosity people,” she said.
As news of the disaster hit the headlines, Unzinzo a local company, together with Tongaat-Hulett stepped into action to construct a temporary bridge for residents to evacuate the flood stricken area. “Coastal Trucking sent an excavator and tip trucks to the site and created a temporary bridge. Lenny Naicker supplied diesel, drivers and supervision over a 24-hour period, while Shisalanga supplied as much material as was required for the construction,” said a grateful Cutting.
The area is still struggling with access to certain areas and the shortage of basic necessities.
A distressed Cutting said, “The floods, lack of water, electricity and access to basic essentials has devastated the community. The businesses in the Valley, such as guesthouses, wedding venues and other companies have shut down. The negative impact will continue for months if not years to come.”
