FOLLOWING a week of heavy rain which triggered floods in some areas, work was being undertaken to repair damaged infrastructure as well as to assist those displaced due to the inclement weather.

Three people had died in KwaZulu-Natal due to the heavy rainfall, at the time of going to print. This includes a 24 year-old woman from Okhahlamba Municipality who was killed after being struck by lightning.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda on 12 November visited the family of a husband and wife who died after the roof and a wall of their home collapsed on them in Amaoti, Inanda. He pledged the City’s support during this difficult period as well as expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family. He also praised the community for rallying together to clean the stormwater system in the area which was blocked with litter and could potentially lead to flooding. “This demonstrates an active citizenry.

The public throwing litter out of car windows as they drive and on the road is what clogs the stormwater system. They must refrain from doing this.” Mayor Kaunda said teams have been deployed to areas where damage has been reported. He said officials were still consolidating reports of the damage to infrastructure and property as a result of the inclement weather. He said affected roads would remain closed until they were safe for motorists to use. Affected residents can call the City’s Disaster and Emergency Services for assistance on 031 361 00 00.

The public is urged to be patient as staff are dealing with high call volumes. The public is also urged to report any potential stormwater blockages to the Roads and Stormwater Management Department via the call centre on 080 131 3013.