Celani Sikhakhane
About 5,000 people who lost their homes in the deadly floods in KwaZulu-Natal in April are still stuck in community halls and churches.
It has been two months since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a R1 billion relief fund, and government officials have still not made the proper submissions to access it.
Jomo Nyambi, chairman of the Parliamentary Ad Hoc disaster relief committee, revealed this week that when they met KZN officials – including premier Sihle Zikalala – they were told that all documents had been submitted to the National Treasury.
“When we enquired with the National Treasury we were told the KZN officials had not sent anything,” said the angry Nyambi.
“We want to meet all of them in one room so they can explain. People are suffering!”
Deputy Director General at the National Treasury Dr Mpho Modise told Radio 702 that the funds are still available but can’t be released unless the KZN government submit a proper plan on how the funds will be used.
Modise revealed that some of the forms that were submitted were incorrectly completed.
“Municipalities and provinces need to prioritise some of their grant funding. This is the start of the financial year so they have enough in their baselines to respond immediately,” said Modise.
Last month those who were displaced by floods staged a protest at the Durban City Hall to complain about the delay and suffering they are experiencing in temporary shelters.
It’s been two months since the flood victims were promised emergency assistance by President Cyril Ramaphosa and other government leaders.
EThekwini deputy mayor Philane Mavundla told angry victims that a plan is underway to take them out of halls and churches and allocate them proper accommodation.
