KZN homes and roads destroyed as heavy rains cause widespread flooding

Mapaballo Borotho

Heavy rains have destroyed homes and road infrastructure in the uMshwathi Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
Authorities have deployed assessment teams and activated traffic management plans as several communities face isolation due to washed-away bridges and flooded roads.
MEC Siboniso Duma will visit affected areas and engage national leadership to strengthen disaster response efforts.

Homes and vital infrastructure have been destroyed in the uMshwathi Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal following heavy rainfall over the weekend.

The Department of Transport and Human Settlements says it has received numerous distress calls from communities and motorists as prolonged downpours continue to affect various parts of the province.

In response, a roving team from Human Settlements has already been deployed to assess damaged homes and road infrastructure in the uMshwathi Local Municipality.

“I have taken a decision to visit affected communities in uMshwathi tomorrow morning at 08h00. I will be joined by the Mayor of uMshwathi Local Municipality, Cllr Mandla Zondi. Following our assessment, I will engage with the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, as part of efforts to strengthen and augment our intervention,” said Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma.

Duma says the Department’s short-term goal is to provide housing solutions for displaced families. He warned that several communities may remain isolated as roads and bridges have flooded or been washed away.

“Our dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate is working flat out to ensure the safety of motorists. The RTI team is coordinating certain road closures and monitoring major routes. We are in consultation with N3 Toll Concession and different traffic departments in the affected municipalities.”

With Durban serving as the country’s logistics hub, the RTI team is activating a plan to escort trucks and vehicles to prevent congestion along the N3 and N2 highways.

“Critically, we urge members of the public and motorists to follow weather reports and, where necessary, reschedule their journeys in anticipation of any eventuality,” Duma added.