KZN, Mxolisi Kaunda, KZN floods, KZN rain, eThekwini floods, flood damage, estimated in the millions

eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda shared that the damage in the city is estimated to be around R757 million. Photo: durban.gov.za and GCIS / Flickr

KZN floods latest: Estimated damage in eThekiwni at R757m

Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda released a statement about the damages faced in eThekwini and how the tourism sector is being impacted.

KZN, Mxolisi Kaunda, KZN floods, KZN rain, eThekwini floods, flood damage, estimated in the millions

eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda shared that the damage in the city is estimated to be around R757 million. Photo: durban.gov.za and GCIS / Flickr

eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda provided an update on the estimated cost of damage. According to Kaunda, the recent torrential rains and flooding caused damages of around R757 million.

eThekwini mayor expects a drop in tourism for the Easter weekend

Kaunda shared that the tourism and manufacturing industries were among those impacted. In a statement released on Thursday, Kaunda shared that the number of visitors for the Easter weekend is expected to drop.

The mayor explained that the lack of water and electricity in many areas in KZN will affect jobs in the hospitality sector. Kaunda shared that the city is currently working on restoring water and electricity but infrastructure had been badly damaged.

Water is still scarce in the city with damages in the millions

“We receive 95% of our water from Umgeni Water. Of serious concern is the damage to two, out of four, of Umgeni Water’s Nagle aqueducts. Tongaat Waterworks, which supplies the whole of Tongaat, suffered serious damage that will take months to repair. In the interim, we will be deploying more water tankers and are procuring a package plant that will be able to supply water.”

Mxolisi Kaunda, eThekwini mayor

Kaunda said that the city suffered estimated damages of R28 million to its waste depots and landfill sites. The mayor urged KZN residents to be patient with regard to the resumption of waste collection.

Kaunda added that the City has provided 17 shelters at community halls. Around 2,138 displaced people are receiving hot meals, mattresses and blankets.

The torrential rains which caused flooding in KZN left a trail of destruction. Photo: GCIS / Flickr

Kaunda applauds police for the arrests of looters

In the statement, Kaunda condemned the looting that was recently reported. He further commended SAPS members for arresting 12 suspects in connection with the Umlazi looting.

Videos of the residents looting a Shoprite Usave supermarket, and other shops, went viral on numerous social media platforms on Wednesday, 13 April. The province is still reeling from the devastating floods that wreaked havoc.

Current reports put the death toll at least 306 people. Gwala shared that the arrests took place at the premises of the supermarkets on Wednesday evening. The SAPS spokesperson shared that the Umlazi residents are facing the following charges:

  • Burglary of a business
  • Possession of stolen property