KWAZULU Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala said on Sunday that the recent floods rank among the worst catastrophes to ever befall the coastal province in recent history.
This as the death toll increased to at least 443, while 63 people are currently reported to be missing.
Zikalala was updating the media on Sunday about the latest developments around floods, including government’s efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis unfolding in KwaZulu-Natal.
He said the estimated damage to road infrastructure was estimated to be R5.6 billion.
About 551 schools have been affected by the floods while more than 13 556 houses have also been affected.
He announced that a plan to restore water is being implemented.
“We are busy quantifying the extent of damage in water infrastructure in the province. We don’t want be alarmists but the floods set us backwards. We still have many people who have no access to water,” said Zikalala.
“A number of areas experienced water disruptions. A war room has been established comprising Ethekwini, Umgeni Water, Department of Water and Sanitation, Human Settlements and Roads and a plan to restore services is being implemented.”
In Ugu District, the following areas have been fully restored with isolated cases of airlocks and low pressure: Marburg, Margate ext3, Ramsgate North, Ramsgate South, Sea Park, Sunwhich Port, Shelly Beach, Mkholombe, Nositha, Melville.
The following areas are also beginning to get water though lower pressure in certain streets: Oslo, Gamalakhe, Umtentweni, Port Shepstone, Albersville, Protea Park, Wavell Ave. part of Margate.
The areas that were not yet restored at the time of the briefing were; Murchison, Pumula, Woodgrange, Hibberdene, Anerley, Margate CBD, Manaba, Margate ext 2 and Uvongo.
“We have challenges due to the inaccessibility of the roads. This is resulting in challenges to deliver water in many areas as roads are muddy and make it difficult to navigate on the hilly terrains of Ilembe. This is affecting communities and schools. More water tankers are required to cover areas such as KwaDukuza, Ndwedwe and Maphumulo Municipalities,” said Zikalala.
About 243 post-mortem or autopsy had been done and completed, and now about 114 bodies will be examined to allow families to lay their loved ones to rest.
“We plea for patience while this process is being done,” said Zikalalala.
“Every need families who lost their loved ones will be assisted with burial.”
“We are grateful on the support shown by people across the country. Provinces like Western Cape, Free State, Limpopo assigned rescue personnel to help in KZN. At least 125 rescue personnels from different provinces are on the ground.”
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