About 2,000 houses have been damaged in South Africa’s Gauteng province following heavy rains that lashed parts of the region at the weekend, prompting officials to call on Monday for the declaration of a state of disaster in the area.
Speaking after visiting the affected areas to assess damage on Tuesday, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi expressed concern that more houses would be damaged in the Tshwane and Ekurhuleni areas since more rain is expected during the week.
“We thought there was no need for a disaster to be declared, but since coming here we’ve agreed it’s needed so it can activate the necessary departments,” Kubayi told journalists.
The most affected areas are Protea South, Alexandra, Nancefield, and West Rand townships, with more than 1,000 houses damaged in Protea South alone.
The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in Gauteng during the course of the week.
“We are going to add temporary structures where necessary and put together a team with national, provincial and local (government) that will do full assessments to determine whether families will receive vouchers to assist with rebuilding their homes or if they need new permanent structures,” she said.
Scores of families have been moved by authorities to a Nancefield community hall while teams have been dispatched to help relocate Kliptown residents, the minister said.
JN/APA