Emergency housing team dispatched to Northern KwaZulu-Natal after storm

Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi swiftly responded to the aftermath of a devastating storm that struck Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday by dispatching the department’s emergency housing team to assess the damage.

Preliminary assessments reveal that the Nongoma storm severely impacted several households in the villages of Ekubuseni, Gomodo, and Holinyoka, leaving four without homes.

ALSO READ: KwaZulu-Natal learner struck by lightning following severe storms

Minister Kubayi outlined the department’s four-tiered approach to emergency housing interventions: restoration, relocation, rebuilding, and repairs.

Restoration efforts and TEAs offered to Northern KwaZulu-Natal storm victims

Restoration efforts will supply building materials to affected households, while relocation will offer Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEAs) to homeless families.

Rebuilding will focus on reconstructing Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) for mud houses destroyed by the storm, and repairs will address damaged formal houses following assessments by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).

ALSO READ: News in a minute: KwaZulu-Natal learner struck by lightning [VIDEO]

“I have directed officials to ensure that affected households are assisted as a matter of urgency,” stated Minister Kubayi.

NHBRC assesses structures

The NHBRC is assessing the structural integrity of affected structures.

ALSO READ: KwaZulu-Natal storms: Government planning to evacuate flood line areas

Established in 2023, the Emergency Housing Unit collaborates with other government entities to respond to emergencies such as fires and floods. Minister Kubayi emphasised the unit’s commitment to providing swift solutions to enable affected communities to rebuild.

The department’s proactive approach underscores its dedication to addressing the immediate needs of disaster-stricken areas.

ALSO READ: KwaZulu-Natal storms claim eight lives, over 42 schools damaged

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOZIBUSISO MAZIBUKO