KwaZulu-Natal Floods: The KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements Department and the eThekwini Municipality are working together to tackle the devastation caused by ongoing floods in the region.
The parliamentary committee on human settlements has stressed the urgency of unlocking the Emergency Housing Response Fund to provide immediate relief to affected communities.
Emergency Housing Response Fund to Aid Flood Victims
Nocks Seabi, the chairperson of the committee, has emphasized the necessity of removing obstacles that delay the disbursement of the Emergency Housing Response Fund. He recalled an oversight visit conducted in October last year, during which various concerns were raised regarding delays in accessing the fund for flood victims.
Seabi noted that past inefficiencies, such as long waiting periods for beneficiary verification and damage assessments, which took over 10 to 12 months, should no longer be tolerated. The fund must be agile and timely in addressing the needs of flood-affected communities.
Call to Reduce Bureaucratic Delays
Seabi cautioned against bureaucratic hurdles that slow down government interventions, especially during disasters. He emphasized that unnecessary territorial disputes must not obstruct emergency relief efforts.
“In an environment of devastation and distress, government programmes must not be tied up in bureaucracy. The concessions made by the national department regarding the implementation of the fund should greatly aid the response to the ongoing crisis,” he stated.
The committee expects immediate action to ensure that previous inefficiencies, particularly in verifying beneficiaries and assessing damages, are avoided in the current and future disaster responses.
Stronger Building Standards to Mitigate Future Disasters
Another key issue Seabi highlighted is the need for enhanced monitoring of building standards in KwaZulu-Natal. He stressed the importance of ensuring compliance with established laws, such as the Housing Consumer Protection Act and the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act.
“With the increasing frequency of environmental disasters, building materials and construction standards must be robust enough to withstand extreme weather conditions. Regular inspections and stronger monitoring mechanisms should become the norm,” he asserted.
Seabi further stated that stricter enforcement of construction regulations would help prevent future housing crises, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Heartfelt Condolences to Flood Victims
Expressing his sorrow for those who have lost their lives in the devastating floods, Seabi extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. He acknowledged the immense suffering caused by the ongoing natural disaster and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing relief and recovery support to affected communities.
“The floods have wreaked havoc in the province, leaving families displaced and homes destroyed. We stand in solidarity with all those affected and remain committed to ensuring that necessary interventions are implemented swiftly,” he added.
