eThekwini Municipality works speedily to restore key services

• Published date: 23 May 2022
• Publication title: South African Official News

eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has called upon residents to be patient as the municipality works speedily to restore key services, following heavy rains over the weekend.

Kaunda conducted a tour of Umdloti to assess the extent of the damage following heavy rains that have damaged homes, roads and other infrastructure in the north coast community, particularly in Umdloti.

'We had to prioritise visiting uMdloti given the severity of the damage in this area. Our water treatment plant has been damaged and this will affect our ability to provide water to residents in this area,' Kaunda said.

He said municipal emergency services remain on high alert, even though the intensity of the rain in most areas of eThekwini has now subsided.

'Various municipal teams are working round the clock to assist communities and to restore key services,' Kaunda said.

About 190 people evacuated

The Mayor reported that teams had to evacuate some residents overnight, as the rain continued to damage the city.

'Rain gauge and river level analysis were undertaken continuously to identify vulnerable and high-risk areas. Most rainfall was experienced over north and central areas of eThekwini with Bluff and Umdloti receiving high levels of rainfall.

'A family in ward 40 was evacuated to Kwa-Nozaza temporary mass care centre after their house collapsed. About 190 people were relocated from Tehuis to SJ Smith Hall. Mattresses and blankets were provided as a temporary relief,' Kaunda said.

Elderly residents in two retirement homes in Tongaat and Westbrook were also relocated to safety on Saturday night after their homes were affected. However, Kaunda said many of them have since returned to their homes.

Kaunda also noted that various roads have been damaged with some affected by mudslides.

He said that teams were dispatched to remove rubble, trees and mudslides.

'The amount of rain was extensive and as such the...