KZN Legislature’s Human Settlements Portfolio Committee Saddened By Damage Caused By Heavy Rains In Umsunduzi Municipality

Media Statement

Date: 05 November 2024

KZN LEGISLATURE’S HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE SADDENED BY DAMAGE CAUSED BY HEAVY RAINS IN UMSUNDUZI MUNICIPALITY

KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Chairperson of Human Settlements Portfolio Committee, Dr Andile Biyela, is saddened by the destruction and loss caused by the ongoing torrential rains which have left dozens of families in the Umsunduzi municipality homeless.

More than 10 wards in Umsunduzi municipality were affected by the heavy rains and thunderstorm of the past few days. Areas affected include Swanzwili, eMadamini, Ashdown, Dambuza, Central and Northern areas.

Biyela has however commended the local municipality’s Disaster Management teams for their swift response saying had it not been for their intervention lives could have been lost.

Last night officials from the Human Settlements Department and Umsunduzi’s Disaster Management teams were still assessing the damage caused to various structures including homes, a hospital and a school.

Biyela said the portfolio committee will monitor the developments and the Department of Human Settlements’ intervention.

“Looking at the situation on the ground they maybe families who may have to be moved from their residences because of the extent of the damage. The department and the municipality might have to consider temporal shelter whilst those families are still rebuilding their structures,” said Biyela.

Ends

Issued by the KZN Legislature Human Settlements Portfolio Committee

For more information please contact Committee Chairperson Dr Andile Biyela at 0827160661