Gift of the Givers (GoG), in collaboration with Engen, has stepped forward to support families affected by the severe floods in Lamontville. With hundreds of people displaced, GoG and Engen are responding to the crisis by providing urgent relief to those in need.
Severe flooding across KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast claimed several lives and left hundreds homeless over the last week.
In response, GoG and Engen visited the Bayview Community Hall and distributed food hampers, blankets, sleeping mats, as well as full hygiene packs to 100 displaced individuals from Lamontville who were affected by the floods.
Engen CSI manager, Olwethu Mdabula, expressed their solidarity with affected families: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by these tragic events. Engen is deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the recent floods. We hope our contribution provides some comfort to the affected families as they navigate this challenging time.”
Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality remained on high alert over the weekend following the SouthAfrican Weather Service level four weather warning issued on Sunday, 2 March. In a statement released by the municipality’s communications unit, they called on motorists and residents to exercise extreme caution and take the necessary precautions in ensuring their safety.
The statement also confirmed that the city is engaging with deceased families to assist with funeral arrangements.
The City said: “The aid comes after the recent heavy rains that occurred which severely affected Lamontville and other areas in the South of Durban and claimed the lives of seven people while some sustained injuries after their structures were destroyed. The seventh person is however still missing, and the search to recover the body continues.
“A political delegation on Wednesday, 26 February visited Lamontville where five casualties were reported. Following this incident, about 160 affected people from Lamontville were relocated to a temporal descent accommodation while a permanent solution is sought.”
The statement confirmed that the National Department of Human Settlements and the municipality are currently in search of a suitable land to build houses for displaced families and those that are the most vulnerable during severe weather.
“A cause for concern however that is worth noting is the resistance from some communities who are opposed to the resettling of flood victims on government-owned land next to their properties, under what is called ‘Not in My Backyard’ syndrome. The reality is that government cannot rebuild on the very unsuitable land that saw homes being washed away during floods.
“Communities opposed to such housing developments must understand that the ‘Not In My Backyard’ syndrome negatively impacts the City’s ability to assist unemployed, needy people from benefitting from housing opportunities. It further delays implementation of projects which have obtained all statutory approvals from the planning cycle. There are also costs implications caused by such resistance.
Spheres of government including human settlements, health, social development, education, municipality’s disaster management, and city fleet are involved providing necessary support to the affected residents.
“The city’s Disaster Management and Emergency Control unit and non-profit organisations namely Al-Imdaad Foundation, Red Cross, Gift of the Givers, UIPCO and Toyota South Africa are also providing humanitarian aid and food to floods victims. The municipality urges the public to continue to report emergencies on 031 361 0000,” the City said.
