Relief aid to flood and heavy rain victims in Nkomazi
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government coordinated by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has provided relief aid in the form of blankets, and food parcels to the families affected by heavy rains that ravaged Tonga, Block A, B, C , Masibekela, Naas, Driekoppies, Mangweni, Steenbok, Naas, and Sibange areas in Nkomazi municipality.
The Executive Mayor of Nkomazi, Cllr Thuli Khoza accompanied by the Head of Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr David Mahlobo, have visited the affected areas to conduct an assessment of the damage. Preliminary reports indicate the following damages:
The Ntunda, Sibange, Langeloop and Masibekela water treatment plants have been affected. Water tankers will provide water to the affected areas.
The following bridges have been affected
Dreikoppies, Phiva, Dhludhluma and Komatidraai are underwater. The
Municipality will provide signage and traffic will be rerouted to alternative
routes and alert communities.
The following roads have been affected with pot holes and
debris: D 2950 – Naas to Ngwenyeni, D 797 – Block A to Naas, D 2952 – Mdzabu to
Khombaso and Hoyi.
COGTA will engage the Department of Public Works, Roads
and Transport and SANRAL for repair of the damages.
14 families have been affected and need reallocation,
while 16 families were affected without needing to be relocated. All the
affected families will be provided with food parcels and blankets.
The department has instructed all municipalities to be on
full alert and on standby as the rains are predicted to continue. The Disaster
management teams are continuing to monitor the situation. People are urged to
move away from river banks and they must avoid crossing full rivers and over
flowing bridges. Parents are urged to warn children not to play next to streams
and rivers. A special caution is issued to all learners not to cross full rivers
and bridges. All road users are urged to be extremely cautious on the roads as
they are wet and rocks might have fallen in some areas.
The MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Madala Masuku, is making an appeal to all citizens and businesses to assist victims by donating food, clothes and any other form of assistance. In the event of possible flooding communities must call the Department’s Disaster toll free number 0800202507.
Contact Persons:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Mohlalefi Lebotha
Cell: 082 852 0502
Issued by: The Department of Co-operative
Governance and Traditional Affairs.
