Premier Ntuli and Mayor Xaba visit flood-stricken communities
...

Date: 2025-03-17 13:09:42

Premier Ntuli and Mayor Xaba visit flood-stricken communities

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 MARCH 2025
 
PREMIER NTULI AND MAYOR XABA VISIT FLOOD-STRICKEN COMMUNITIES 
 
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli and eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba today, 16 March, visited families who were affected by the recent floods in Inanda, Nhlungwane and Lamontville. 
 
Some of the victims have been relocated to family friendly accommodation in the inner-city. 
 
From 19 February to 15 March, the recurring floods have claimed lives and damaged infrastructure in eThekwini. 
 
Close to 6 000 people and 1 452 houses have been affected. 
 
The Mayor conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and committed to work with all stakeholders to ensure that flood victims get settled in permanent homes. 
 
He also urged members of the community to dispose waste in designated areas as debris gets deposited in storm water drainage systems during heavy rains. 
 
Mayor Xaba said that flooding during storms is primarily influenced by the intensity of rainfall, the capacity of drainage systems, and debris carried by stormwater. 
 
In eThekwini, stormwater systems are designed to handle a 1-in-10-year storm event at critical points and a 1-in-3-year storm event in non-critical areas. 
 
Large canals and river protection works are built to withstand 1-in-50 or 1-in-100-year storm events.
 
Over the past decade, the City has experienced an increasing frequency of severe floods. 
 
To mitigate risks and protect lives and infrastructure, the Municipality has implemented strategic interventions, including the Forecast Early Warning System (FEWS).
 
The City remains committed to strengthening its stormwater infrastructure and disaster preparedness to better protect residents and businesses from future extreme weather events. 
 
The Mayor thanked emergency teams for swiftly responding to  incidents reported by residents.
 
“Through their swift response, we were able to rescue 10 people along M19. 
Our technical officials are currently restoring basic services such as water and electricity in all affected areas," said Mayor Xaba. 
 
All roads that have been flooded such as M4, M19 and N2 are being cleared. 
 
Stapleton Road and Heaton Nicholson Dive roads remain closed until further notice.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit.
 
For more information, kindly contact Mayoral Spokesperson Mluleki Mntungwa on 060 974 1140.