PREMIER NDLOVU DIRECTS STATE INSTITUTIONS TO PUT INTERVENTION MEASURES AMID STORM DAMAGES IN SOME PARTS OF MPUMALANGA
30 October 2024
The Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu has directed state institutions to ensure that Matric examinations are not interrupted in the wake of the bad weather. Heavy storms have left a trail of destruction in three Local Municipalities at Ehlanzeni District recently.
Several schools, especially in the Bushbuckridge Municipality are on the list of damaged infrastructure. The examinations started two weeks ago and Mr. Ndlovu says learners must write without interruption. He says temporary facilities must be provided urgently at the schools where damages have occurred. He was addressing an urgent meeting in Mbombela on Tuesday, to assess the extent of the damages.
Disaster Management teams led by MECs and Executive Mayors visited affected areas and families to assess the impact. They observed that in some cases, houses have collapsed, leaving families destitute and four fatalities. Mr. Ndlovu directed the distribution of relief material as an emergency. “We have a stockpile of tarpaulins and blankets. We must distribute them to the families in distress, until a permanent remedy is in place. We must also provide food in dire conditions,” the Premier directed.
He expressed concern that damages in health facilities and water infrastructure may result in dire consequences. “Some health care services are not accessible due to the damages of the facilities. The supply of clean water is also interrupted. We must fix these facilities urgently to prevent an outbreak of water borne diseases. We urge our communities in the affected areas to purify water through water sachets supplied by the government, before consumption,” the Premier stated.
Climatologists predict heavy rains ahead of the festive holidays in Mpumalanga. As such, Mr. Ndlovu urged communities to be vigilant to prevent fatalities. He further urged communities in flood line areas, such as water streams, to relocate, in an effort to avert human crises.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Enquiries:
COGTA’s Spokesperson: Lindiwe Msibi
Mobile: 061 481 0135
Ehlanzeni District’s Spokesperson: Lucky Ngomane
Mobile: 079 517 9611
Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za