EXCO Media Statement
22 November 2022
EXCO MAKES A DECLARATION OF PROVINCIAL DISASTER IN LIGHT OF SEVERE DAMAGES BY STORMMpumalanga is on high alert in anticipation of heavy rains during the festive season. The province is prone to disasters that contribute towards infrastructure damages and a displacement of residents. It is often on the receiving end of heavy storms that originate from neighbouring Mozambique, that cause severe damages.
Efforts are already underway to provide humanitarian support in light of the recent heavy storms which left a trail of destruction in various parts of Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala Districts. The Executive Council (EXCO) convened a special meeting to assess the extent of damages to the infrastructure and to declare a Provincial disaster.
- Recorded damages and intervention measures
- Declaration of Provincial Disaster
EXCO noted the severe infrastructure damages caused by the heavy storm which occurred recently. An assessment report compiled by Disaster Management teams, depicts massive damage to houses, schools, health facilities, roads and bridges and agricultural facilities in the three districts.
In Ehlanzeni District, five (5) wards in the City of Mbombela Local Municipality, were the hardest hit. Damages were also recorded to the powerlines. In the Nkangala District, the heavy rains left several roads and bridges with defects in Thembisile Hani, Steve Tshwete and Emalahleni Local Municipalities. The Agri-hub in Mkhondo Local Municipality and a Primary school in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in Gert Sibande District, incurred massive damages. Notably, no fatalities were recorded, in all the cases.
According to the assessment, more than R134 million will be required to fix the damages. The estimated amount is based on the verification of more than 399 houses, 7 schools, 2 health facilities, an agricultural hub, banana farms and roads.
EXCO lauded the swift action taken by the leadership at the level of MECs, Executive Mayors, Amakhosi, Councillors and the disaster management teams, to visit affected facilities and households, and for the distribution of relief material.
Section 41 of the Disaster Management Act provides for a declaration of Provincial Disaster to enable reprioritization of funds within departments and affected municipalities. As such EXCO resolved to declare a Provincial Disaster, based on the recorded damages. The declaration serves as a catalyst of mobilizing funds through the National Disaster Management Centre, to address the rehabilitation process, in an accelerated pace, within the three months of declaration.
EXCO directed departments to appoint service providers with the required capacity, for the renovation of damaged infrastructure. It warned against interruption of renovation projects, by individuals who masquerade as local business forums. EXCO viewed such unwarranted action as using the disaster conditions for nefarious gain.
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: Mr George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile:083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
