Ekurhuleni mayor welcomes emergency services’ response to floods in City

The mayor of Ekurhuleni, Tania Campbell, has on February 5 welcomed the response by DEMS to the multiple flash floods across the city over the weekend.

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In particular, DEMS rescued four occupants from drowning inside a sedan after being washed away while attempting to cross a low-lying bridge near Old Pretoria Road.

DEMS officers were also conducting search and rescue operations in the Midstream area in search of three people who were swept away by floodwater.

“I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the female adult and two children who passed away in the tragic blaze at a childcare centre in Villa-Liza, Vosloorus. Nine firefighters from DEMS battled the blaze and saved two teenage boys in their operation. May their souls rest in peace,” said Campbell in a statement.

“It is clear that we are beginning to experience the effects of climate change as a city. Therefore, we need to build resilience against possible future climate disasters such as fires, drought, heatwaves and flooding.

“As a member of the C40 Cities, we will engage the forum to learn how to develop climate response and resilience strategies to prepare for the socio-economic effects of climate disasters proactively.

“As we continue to build on our capacity in responding to climate disasters, I call upon the residents of Ekurhuleni to play their part in reducing the damaging effects of flooding.

“We call on residents to refrain from littering in public spaces. Numerous stormwater passages are being blocked due to rubbish and debris.

“We also call upon homeowners to please open their gates and yard pathways to allow water to escape their premises and avoid flooding in their homes.

“Lastly, we urge all motorists and pedestrians to please be on high alert when crossing low-lying bridges in the City. Tom Jones has currently been closed due to flooding and will be reopened once emergency services officials declare it safe for use again,” said Campbell.

Campbell and members of the multi-party coalition will be visiting various areas in Ekurhuleni that have been affected by flooding once it is safe to travel to those regions.

They will be assessing the damage caused by the floods and engaging with community members to determine what assistance the city may offer them.

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