Following oversight visits to various communities in eThekwini that were severely affected by the floods earlier this year, a Parliamentary delegation lauded the City’s recovery efforts to rebuild and restore services.

 

Today, 25 August eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda accompanied members of the Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery and members of the Provincial Executive Council to areas that were severely affected by the April floods in the north of Durban.

 

Currently repair work is taking place in uMdloti and the oThongathi Water Treatment Plant after infrastructure was severely damaged by the floods. 

 

Co-Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Joint Committee Cedric Frolick applauded eThekwini for progress made on flood recovery interventions.

 

“We commend eThekwini for the progress that has been made and rehabilitation that is currently taking place to rebuild the City after the April and May floods.  We are also impressed that the City did not use contractors or consultants to advise on the rehabilitation of the uMdloti plant.  Residents in this area are also pleased with the work currently taking place,” he said.

 

The Committee also assessed the progress of the uMlazi junction which was also damaged by the floods.

 

“While the work that is taking place in uMlazi is commendable, we also need to ensure that we speed up the rehabilitation because it is an convenience to residents in the area,” added Frolick.

 

Mayor Kaunda said the City leadership is pleased with the significant progress made at the various sites within a short space of time.

 

“We are working around the clock to ensure full restoration of services.  The City dispatches water tankers in areas that face challenges of water supply.  Also, static tanks have been implemented in various communities and water tankers deposit water in them.  Furthermore, the City is in the process of placing boreholes in various communities,” he said.

 

The Mayor also addressed  residents of oThongathi who embarked on a protest today complaining about the shortage of water in the area. Mayor Kaunda assured residents of the City’s commitment to restore water supply in the area as repairs of the water treatment plant are ongoing. 

 

“We anticipate completing these repairs by the end of October this year. We have also committed to increasing the number of water tankers in the area as a temporary measure to ensure that residents have access to water,” said Mayor Kaunda.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality Communications Unit.  For more information, kindly contact Mayoral Spokesperson Mluleki Mntungwa on 060 974 1140.