Minister Zweli Mkhize urges a coordinated approach to address floods in KZN
24 April 2019
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize in his capacity as the political head responsible for disaster management in the country, today, 24 April 2019, joined President Cyril Ramaphosa today in visiting the areas devastated by floods which have claimed more than 50 lives in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Minister had begun his visit to KZN on Wednesday 23 April where he engaged the Provincial leadership, especially the CoGTA department in KZN about the unfolding work on the ground from various spheres, institutions and organisations aimed at assisting families and communities that have been devastated.
Some parts of the KZN province saw severe weather conditions, including storms, strong winds and heavy rain in the last few days. Rains have battered parts of the Eastern Cape Province as well. Hundreds of homes are damaged.
“Some people, especially in KZN have lost property and lives. The damage is also visible as the infrastructure across the province is destroyed and in some areas it is dangerous for communities to utilise. Many roads, bridges, settlements were negatively affected. The devastation is visible and untold pain has been inflicted upon the people and as government we are doing everything possible to assist. The President of the Republic came to see first-hand the devastations left behind by the torrential rains which had surpassed 200mm, thereby leading to flooding in some areas,” said Minister Mkhize.