Last week’s heavy rains caused yet more damage to the flood stricken North Coast.
There were no deaths reported, but many families were displaced in Ndwedwe and KwaDukuza, while public infrastructure was also damaged.
In Ndwedwe, over 50 households reported structural damage and at least five bridges were washed away.
“Our Disaster Team is continuing with disaster assessments, but the extent of roads and bridges damaged is posing a challenge,” said Ndwedwe mayor, Samuel Mfeka.
“The municipality will give emergency relief to the affected families, including temporary shelters, food parcels, food vouchers, and blankets.”
In Shakaskraal, which often struggles with flooding in heavy rains, a charity for the elderly found itself completely submerged.
The Shakaskraal Association for the Aged, which provides daily meals to more than 120 residents, lost over two months of groceries as well as fridges, freezers, gas stoves, printers and computers.
Association chairperson, Kisun Rooplall, said the damage had a huge impact on their ability to feed the community.
Also read: #Opinion: North Coast residents share ideas on how to minimise flood damage risks
“This home is an integral part of Shakaskraal and is sometimes the only source of nutrition for the elderly,” said Rooplall.
“We were able to fix gas stoves for cooking, but other appliances are completely destroyed. We will reopen this week, but we are still in need of further help,” he said.
He thanked volunteers who helped to clean the building and those who donated non-perishables.
If you would like to help, you can reach Rooplall at 073 225 0228.
Elsewhere in KwaDukuza, Malende in Groutville was one of the worst affected areas.
A family’s home was completely destroyed, while some other roads and houses saw minor damage.
“The wall caved in, and the whole house was flooded. There are cracks throughout the structure, making it unsafe for the family to stay in,” said ward councillor, Nkitimeng Mpanza.
She said the municipality was in the process of doing oversight visits to the most damaged wards.
In KwaDukuza town itself, Balcomb Street was heavily flooded once again, particularly between the taxi rank and Coastal Cash & Carry.
This is a recurring issue during heavy rains and drew renewed calls for better stormwater infrastructure management.
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