Government scrambles to assist victims of KZN flood disaster

By Levy Masiteng

Flood victims from Lamontville, south of Durban, are embarking on a new chapter in their lives following the recent devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal.

At least 229 families will be permanently relocated to land owned by the eThekwini Municipality in Hammarsdale.

The announcement was made during a two-day visit to the affected areas by Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, accompanied by eThekwini Municipality mayor Cyril Xaba and KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma on Tuesday.

Simelane’s two-day visit is meant to assess the damage from heavy rains and coordinate government efforts to support affected families.

During her visit, Simelane also announced the allocation of R100 million to the provincial government to help manage the consequences of the flood.

The recent floods in KZN have caused severe devastation, with the provincial COGTA department confirming a death toll of 22.

Many people were displaced during the floods,