Local councillor sheds light on storm damage
Ward 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter, spoke to the Sun about the extent of the damage caused by the storm within his ward and the challenges faced by not only the residents, but also himself.
THE communities of Yellowwood Park, Montclair, Woodlands, Woodhaven and surrounding areas were not spared during the devastating floods that hit Durban during the Easter weekend.
Ward 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter, spoke to the Sun about the extent of the damage caused by the storm within his ward and the challenges faced by not only the residents, but also himself in the aftermath.
READ ALSO: #DurbanFloods: CROW left flooded by storm damage
Mountains of piled up mud and debris, collapsed roads and retaining walls as well as the destruction of houses were identifiable throughout the ward.
“As a representative of the municipality, we’re battling because the residents take it out on us. For the most part, our hands are tied, as municipality is only responsible for damage caused due to their negligence. Even then, if the damage is within your private property, the resident would have to sort it out and claim to the municipality insurance, where you would have to prove that they are at fault and that there was as an issue prior to the storm,” he said.
READ ALSO: Heavy rains halt train services
Hegter added that if a residence or property doesn’t have a storm water line that is properly installed, any storm damage that occurs primarily becomes the resident’s responsibility. Therefore, homeowners need to claim from their home insurance for damage caused due to natural disasters.
On the topic of storm water lines and drainage systems, Hegter explained that they play a crucial role during such occurrences, because they ensure that there isn’t a build-up and overflow of water. Should any resident know of any blocked water drains, they must inform the municipality as soon as possible to avoid future flooding on roads and properties. Houses on Betram Road, Tern Way Road and Heron Way Road were just few that were also left flooded and damaged, together with Coedmore Avenue in Yellowwood Park which collapsed on the right lane due to flooding and a leaking water pipe beneath the road.
Hegter ensured residents that he is working round the clock with various parties such as municipality members, coastal storm water department, building inspectors and disaster management, to bring relief to affected residents.
READ ALSO: High volumes of plastic pollution surfaces after #DurbanFloods
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