Transforming KZN's approach to flood disasters for lasting change

KWAZULU-Natal Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) called for permanent solutions to address flooding and displaced families.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

The MPLs were this week debating on a report tabled in March by Premier Thami Ntuli on communities in distress owing to the province being engulfed by floods.

There were also concerns about the KZN Department of Transport and Human Resources’ purchase of the Montclair Lodge from Transnet for R33 million to house flood victims as one of their interventions.

IEP chief whip Blessed Gwala said the refurbishment of the Montclair Lodge should be expedited to meet the December deadline.

He also called on traditional leaders to exercise greater responsibility when allocating land near riverbeds or flood-prone areas.

According to him, municipalities should enforce existing bylaws to prevent high-risk developments.

Gwala stated he was awaiting an update on the parcels of land earmarked for housing and emphasised that investments must be made in drainage infrastructure, as flood damage diverts crucial funds to disaster response.

Hlengiwe Mavimbela, ANC MPL, warned that every cent allocated must go towards flood recovery and not for electioneering or inflated contracts.