JUST IN: Municipal Manager reaches out to MEC for flood relief
“Our Disaster Management teams are out doing assessment and evacuation at this stage." - Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane.
Due to recent floods, Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane, said the Disaster Management team has been on the ground to assist the community.
“Our traffic and disaster management team were immediately on the ground. Last night, February 21, Mayor Makhosini Nkosi, myself, together with Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Shunmugam, visited the areas of Paradise and Lennoxton, where some families experienced severe flooding in their homes.”
Mr Mswane said they had contacted the office of the MEC to assist with relief efforts.
In response, the MEC deployed a team, which met together with the District and Newcastle municipalities on February 22.
“The team has proceeded to conduct an assessment to the damage done, and solutions will be communicated shortly”, Mr Mswane said.
The areas affected most by the flood in Newcastle are Lennoxton, Paradise and Siyahlala-la Informal Settlement, D96 as well as Madadeni Section 3 and oSizweni, where two houses were completely destroyed.
The displaced communities in Siyahlala-la, Paradise and Lennoxton were evacuated and accommodated at the Fairleigh Community Hall.
Madadeni’s displaced community were evacuated and housed at the Madadeni Community Hall, while residents from Blaauwbosch will be accommodated at oSizweni Community Hall, as well as Mzamo High School.
Fortunately no fatalities and injuries have been reported thus far.
“Our Disaster Management teams are out doing assessment and evacuation at this stage. Relief materials distributed to the affected communities are sandbags, mattresses, blankets, tents and plastic sheets.”
As of today, approximately, 21 houses collapsed in Bosworth Farm, assessment and distribution of relief is ongoing at this stage.
The Newcastle Taxi and Bus Rank has been completely closed off, and the top of Kirkland Street is currently used as a temporary taxi rank.
The entire Murchison Street is currently being used as a temporary bus rank.
Most of the town intersections are closed off, and all our traffic officials are effectively manning all the intersections.
Currently, a high congestion of traffic is noted on all our roads.
Massive potholes were also reported on the provincial road P483 as well as Albert Wessels Drive.
Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) has been requested to assist with traffic control on the P483.
Department of Transport (Roads) has requested to fill in potholes and it is has confirmed their teams are sent out to fill in the potholes on the P483.
For further information, kindly contact Divisional Commander : Fire Safety and Disaster Management, Nelson Mpeko on 0724218939 or 061 424 6464.
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