NELSPRUIT – Victims of the recent floods in Nkomazi will receive aid relief from provincial government.

The 30 affected families in Tonga Block A, B and C, Masibekela, Naas, Driekoppies, Mangweni, Steenbok and Sibangane will receive blankets and food parcels.

Of the 30 affected families, 14 will need relocation. However, they will all receive food parcels and blankets.

Water tankers will provide relief as water treatment plants have been affected in Ntunda, Sibange, Langeloop and Masibekela areas.

Nkomazi Local Municipality will provide signage and traffic will be rerouted since bridges in Driekoppies, Phiva, Dhludhluma and Komatidraai are under water.

The affected roads with potholes and debris are D2950 from Naas to Ngwenyeni, D797 from Block A to Naas, D2952 from Mdzbu to Khombaso and Hoyi. The total number of affected families stands currently at 150, which includes Bushbuckridge, Mbombela, Mjindi and Thaba Chweu municipalities.

Two fatal incidents were reported three days ago in Nkomazi in which two people drowned.

The total cost of the damage cannot be established at this stage as some of the bridges are still under water.

The MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), Mr Madala Masuku, says that this will only be established in the next few days as the weather is expected to clear.

Schoolchildren and some community members in Bushbuckridge were airlifted to places of safety by the army.

Masuku indicated that they were still monitoring the situation with assistance of the joint operation centre that included the SAP, army and provincial government. Many people were left without access to hospitals, clinics and schools, however, the technical team had already started with quantifying the damages caused by the floods. The political committee that deals with disaster management will meet today with the technical team to check on the progress made.

Cogta will work together with public works, roads and transport and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) for repairs.

The MEC has appealed to all citizens and businesses to assist victims by donating food, clothes and other forms of assistance.

In the event of possible flooding, communities can call Cogta’s toll-free disaster department on 0800-202-507.

- Die Laevelder