By Hajira Khota

The uMngeni Local Municipality has chosen to write to the national government, requesting that the area be declared a local catastrophe and demanding financial assistance from KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala.

Sandile Mnikathi who spoke to Radio Islam International; says that a massive storm battered most of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, resulting in severe downpours, hail, and strong winds.

“Infrastructure has been severely damaged, and several towns have suffered as a result. Individuals have lost their homes and possessions, and our infrastructure has partially or completely crumbled in certain circumstances”.

We will also apply to the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal for financial assistance to deal with the crisis in addition to declaring a state of disaster, says Mnikathi.

‘NGO’s such as Gift of the Givers assisted families that were in desperate need of help”.

The severe rains have caused tens of millions of rand worth of damage and the municipal leadership and administration have begun the process of quantifying the damage and will then seek for relief funds from relevant ministries in both the provincial and national realms of government.

In addition, the municipality will seek support from various departments. The Departments of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, Rural Development, Social Development, and Transport all fall under one umbrella.

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