By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kwazulu/Natal (KZN) has recorded 459 fatalities due to recent floods in the eastern and coastal KwaZulu-Natal province, Premier Sihle Zikalala told reporters on Sunday.
Last month, the province suffered the worst flooding in almost three decades during a severe storm. The individuals who were affected by the natural disaster are receiving aid from the government and other social partners.
The state of Qatar is providing humanitarian assistance to KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday and several ministers were at King Shaka International Airport to welcome the Quatari delegation.
Zikalala said the support given by the Qatar government is encouraging.
He hopes to continue building relationships with various countries.
Zikalala said, “it is the humanitarian support which talked to various things that are required when people are affected by floods. The support came from the Qatar government reaching out through the ministers of foreign affairs in South Africa.”
“We’ve been trying to ensure that we build, good relationships with various countries. We are inspired that they felt that they should come assist us during this time of need.”
KwaZulu-Natal Province has received humanitarian aid by the state of Qatar, the a cargo plane with foodstuff, clothing, and medical supplies arrived at King Shaka International Airport in @eThekwiniM received by SA Government leaders and the Qatar Ambassador. #KZNFloods pic.twitter.com/Z3AmEyiKTV
— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) May 29, 2022
Meanwhile the Ad Hoc Joint Committee on flood disaster relief and recovery visited KwaDukuza Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, where it received a briefing from Zikalala.
The committee also visited UMdloti where there were mudslides as a result of the floods that destroyed infrastructure, property and vehicles. 95% of the residents were evacuated due to the inhabitability of the residential properties. The committee will make appropriate recommendations to the government regarding the plight of the UMdloti residents as that residential area is one of the tourist attractions in the province.
Zikalala told the committee that the first challenge they are experiencing as the provincial government is coordination between them and the civil society organisations.
He said many civil society organisations are given money by the government to assist communities affected by the disaster yet they are not visible on the ground and their reports do not reflect what they claim to be doing.
Zikalala told the committee he has requested the Human Rights Commission to make an assessment of what these civil society organisations have promised to do against what they have done.
The committee has expressed its appreciation on Zikalala’s openness and frankness on the challenges the province is facing. The committee is also going to engage the national government on the urgency of its provision of the funds to the province as it is clear that the province needs additional financial assistance.