Relief was provided to residents who were affected by the devastating storm which swept through Ladysmith and surrounding areas on Sunday evening, 2 January, by the Alfred Duma Municipality and Al-Imdaad Foundation, recently.
Mattresses, blankets, food and hygiene packs were delivered to 62-year-old Khatija Hoosen and her family who had lost everything when strong gale-force winds ripped off their home’s roof during the storm.
“This is something that I have not witnessed, that houses around the duplex remain untouched, while these families were affected,” said Alfred Duma Municipal Mayor, Councillor Zama Sibisi.
Mayor Sibisi, Deputy Mayor Simelane and Speaker Sithole joined officials from the Alfred Duma Municipal Office and the Al-Imdaad Foundation to provide relief and some sort of solution for those who had lost everything in the storm.
A resident of Meena Place, 88-year-old Abdool Khan, said that he was still in a state of shock as water flooded his home. “Water and more water had flooded into our home and it felt like it was never going to stop,” said Khan.
Officials told The Ladysmith Herald that they will dig a proper stormwater drain to ensure that water is led away from Khan’s home. “The home is situated on a slope and there is no proper drainage for overflowing water, so we will assist in getting this solution done.”
“We will return to Mr Khan’s home to ensure that everything is in order,” added the Al-Imdaad Foundation.
