Massive clean-up operations are currently underway and will probably continue for another two weeks as the city assesses and cleans up the damage caused by the heavy rains that hit the city last week, damaging infrastructure and leaving a trail of destruction in various parts of the city.
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Officials have been dispatched on the ground to conduct assessments of the extent of the damage and ascertain the amount of relief required by those who have been displaced. Thus far, 2857 homes have been assessed. In instances where people were moved to temporary accommodation, short-term relief in the form of food parcels, hot meals, hygiene packs, mattresses and blankets has been offered in partnership with the social relief technical task team comprising of NGOs and private business.
Beaches closed
All the beaches in the south of the City remain closed. Residents and visitors are advised to refrain from swimming in the area.
Clean-ups are also on-going at central beaches. Due to the constantly changing weather, not all the beaches in the area will be open for bathing. Lifeguards are on duty and will guide residents and visitors to the correct swimming areas. In the event that a beach is closed without prior notice, residents and visitors are urged to adhere to the instructions from the lifeguards and move to safety.
UMhlanga and Bronze beach will remain closed.
Sharks nets at the closed beaches will be lifted to allow the clean-up team to remove debris that may have been tangled with the nets.
Residents and visitors will be advised when the beaches are reopened.
Electricity Update
As of 8:30 am on 13 October, the City’s Electricity Department had received 2123 faults reported by residents. Thirty teams were assigned to investigate and clear the faults and the complex faults have been assigned to the depot staff to effect repairs.
Staff worked through the weekend to restore supply to customers that were cut off. Areas currently still off are: Umbumbulu, Ezimbokodweni and Westmead.
The Contact Centre is still experiencing high call waiting times and the public is urged to send text messages, emails and the website to report faults.
Customers are urged to report their faults via the SMS line, 083 700 0819, email address custocare@elec.durban.gov.za or via the website www.durban.gov.za (go to online services), should they have difficulty reaching us via the toll free number 080 1313 111.
Residents are requested to only call the Emergency Management Call Centre for emergencies on 031 361 0000. Customers are urged to check for tripping on their Electrical Distribution Boards within their homes and circuit breakers in their Meter box, if possible, before reporting a fault.
Clearing of trees
Staff from the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit are also on the ground removing trees and other debris. It is estimated that the clean-up operation will take up to two weeks to complete.
