The Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane has urged the National Department of Human Settlements (NDHS) to speed up the process of providing emergency housing for victims of the KwaZulu Natal Floods.
Severe weather conditions in the past week have resulted in disastrous floods that have claimed lives and people’s homes, leaving 280 families homeless. These floods affected eThekwini townships such as Umlazi and Lamontville. Other areas that were affected were uGu and the King Cetshwayo Districts Municipalities.
People have had to evacuate what is left of their homes to move to community halls for safety.
Human Settlements, Simelani, sympathises with the affected families. “We regret that the floods have resulted in the loss of life, our deepest condolences to the families that lost their loved ones.”
Simelane says that emergency housing plans are in motion and has directed a team of officials responsible for emergency housing within the NDHS to hurry up the process.
I have impressed upon our team to work with other spheres of government and relevant institutions to assist the affected households. Key to this is the provision of emergency shelter.
At the moment, officials are conducting all necessary assessments and research to help with providing a detailed picture of what they are dealing with.
This will then assist them in resolving the matter at hand by of providing adequate building materials and building and rebuilding enough homes so that no one is left unsheltered and homeless during these times.
It is only through cooperation that we will be able to effectively respond to housing emergencies such as this one.
Simelane has pleaded with all parties involved for maximum cooperation, from the governmental departments to stakeholders and community members.
Also Read: KZN Floods Claim More Lives
