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Damage is seen on the The Karino-Kanyamazane Road in Mbombela, Mpumalanga caused by heavy rains
The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs in Mpumalanga has activated all its disaster management teams to respond to the effects of the heavy rains.
Roads, bridges, schools, farms, and approximately 500 houses have sustained damage.
Department spokesperson in the province, Freddy Ngobe says they have recorded 14 deaths.
Ngobe says they are currently conducting assessments while also providing aid.
“We are currently mopping up to ensure that we get to finer details of how much are we looking at but the damage is set to run into millions. Once that is done, we will compile a comprehensive report which will be tabled at national (level) for a possible intervention. In the interim, the department, in partnership with its stakeholders, we are intervening where possible through humanitarian relief that will include your food parcels, sponges, tarpaulins, collapsible structures and psychosocial support to families to families which are mostly affected.”
Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission in the province is conducting inspections of schools damaged by storms.
The department confirmed that 28 schools were damaged and it has procured 134 mobile classrooms.
The Commission says it is engaging with all relevant stakeholders to address the issues of learners falling behind with their schooling; and getting additional funds to fix damages.
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-Additional reporting by Motsebi wa Monareng
