FLASH FLOOD: ‘Climate change is the 21st century’s biggest challenge’
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been notified about what has happened to Margate.
Climate change is the biggest threat to human development, and it is becoming the defining challenge for the 21st century.
So says Siboniso Duma, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
The seaside town of Margate is the latest to be battered by heavy rains.
“Our beaches are under threat because of coastal erosion, and this is the biggest environmental threat. Scientists suggest that the global average sea level will continue to rise as a result of global warming and climate change,” said Duma.
He added that climate change is affecting almost every sector of the economy in this province.
“Therefore, it is important that stakeholders work together to tackle both adaptation and mitigation.”
Duma was joined by the Mayor of Ugu District Municipality, Cllr Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, and the Mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Cllr Zodwa Mzindle on a visit to Margate this week.
During their visit they interacted with affected informal traders and businesses along the beach.
They also visited Margate Airport, which was flooded.
Duma said the department will inject R11m towards the renovation of the airport.
He commended the district and local municipality for working jointly to clear debris that has been accumulating on Margate beach and on the road.
“Although we have seen the restoration of water, electricity, and other essential services, we believe that a declaration of a disaster will help speed up the recovery processes,” he said.
In this regard, Duma have also personally interacted with the President Cyril Ramaphosa, who he said had provided bold leadership during such crises.
“We are comforted by the fact that the national government is in constant liaison with the province, especially the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembi Nkadimeng,” he said.
Going forward, senior officials have been assigned to do the following:
- Environmentalists to do environmental assessment and speed up emergency authorisation and interventions;
- Flood relief packages to assist informal traders and hawkers who have been displaced and lost a source of income;
- Interventions to assist businesses affected by the destruction of socio-economic infrastructure such as roads, etc.
- Work with the municipality to accelerate interventions at Margate Airport, which was also flooded.
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