KWAZULU-NATAL premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has revealed that at least 72 people are still missing after the floods in the province earlier this year.
Thousands of people were displaced by the heavy torrential rains in the province in April and May that resulted in the loss of more than 440 lives and billions of rands worth of damage to infrastructure.
Dube-Ncube made the remarks and gave an update on progress made by the provincial government in assisting flood-affected communities and families.
“At least 72 people are still missing, and DNA services are being rendered, with the South African Police Service support. We are aware that some families are seeking closure and may want to have their relatives declared or presumed dead. We will assist all the families seeking to take this route and will take into consideration all the sensitivities and emotional issues around such a step,” she said.
Also Read: Concern over housing relief efforts months after KZN floods
Dube-Ncube also revealed that more than 80% of the roads allocated for rehabilitation under Operation Siyazenzela (We are doing it for ourselves) have been fixed following the floods.
The damage to road infrastructure as a result of the floods amounted to R5.7b, she added.
The premier added that there had been progress in restoring the water supply to various areas.
She added, teams continue to work tirelessly to rebuild the water schemes that were completely washed away.
“The restoration of the uThongathi Water Treatment Works was completed on October 27, and water has been restored in most parts of uThongathi and the surrounding affected areas. In some areas, there are still water bursts being attended to before full restoration is realised. However, we have reached stability in our water supply. The damage to the Umlazi Canal Pipeline, which affected water supply in many parts of the southern region, was restored,” Dube-Ncube said.
Also Read: Damage to KZN companies estimated at R7bn after floods
Of the affected health facilities, the premier said a total of 82 facilities were affected to varying degrees, ranging from limited roof leakages to extensive structural damages.
“The cost of repairs is estimated to be about R280m. In all, 70 of these are being repaired and/or renovated through the Department of Public Works, while the remaining 12 are being repaired and/or renovated by the KZN Department of Health.
“Health Facilities like Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, uThongathi, Inanda C, Wentworth and Osindisweni [health centres] were provided with water tankers. However, most health services have been restored in all affected areas, and healthcare facilities are fully operational,” she said.
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