Patience is key as rebuilding starts after floods
Mayor Khathi stated the municipality applauds and shows appreciation for the donations to the affected communities and the families of the deceased people.
Although many people have been affected by the floods and are still dealing with the aftermath, Umdoni mayor Sibongile Khathi asks the community not to abandon hope for brighter days as joint efforts between the municipality, community and other stakeholders are expected to carry Umdoni through these tough times.
According to Umdoni, about 1246 people have been affected by the floods and five people lost their lives.
A total of 603 households have been affected with 228 of those partially damaged and 122 completely destroyed.
“Intervention from the Department of Human Settlement has been sought and inspections have been duly conducted,” said Sphelele Cele, Umdoni communications manager.
Umzinto Town Hall and UCC Church in Malangeni are currently being utilised as temporary shelters for some of the affected families and individuals.
Mayor Khathi stated the municipality applauds and shows appreciation for the donations to the affected communities and the families of the deceased people.
“Those who reached deep into their pockets have illustrated the spirit of Ubuntu and we as Umdoni are truly grateful,” she said.
Ms Cele added that over 200 rural roads and more than 50 urban roads have been confirmed to be either damaged or completely washed away and an assessment done so far suggests that this will require funds of approximately R360-m for rehabilitation.
“The municipality has commenced with remedial work to salvage the severely affected road network in the rural wards with the utilisations of internal resources and further assessments in the urban and semi urban wards are being conducted by engineers and the Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs,” said Ms Cele.
Members of the mid-South Coast community are urged by the mayor to exercise patience and understanding while the municipality undertakes all necessary processes towards the rehabilitation of the damaged infrastructure.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
