Relief aid to storm and heavy rain victims in Nkomazi
21 November 2011
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, food parcels, tents and tarpaulins to the families affected by the storms and heavy rains that ravaged Mangweni, Steenbok, Madadeni, Naas, Sibange and Boschfontein areas in Nkomazi municipality.
CoGTA together with disaster management teams from the Ehlanzeni District Municipality and Nkomazi Local Municipality have visited the affected areas to conduct an assessment of the damage. Preliminary reports indicate that 337 houses and 8 schools were damaged. Most of the partially damaged houses have been repaired by the owners. The Department of Human settlement is currently conducting an on sight verification to determine what kind of additional assistance will be required. Eskom is fixing all the damaged power lines and restoring electricity to the area.
The department of Social Development is procuring more food parcels to be dispatched to the affected 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. The department would also like to warn communities of possible flash floods and thunder storms and urges members of the public to be extremely cautious at all times. In the event of possible heavy thunderstorms and flooding communities must call the Department’s Disaster toll free number 0800202507.
Contact Person:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by: The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
