Ramaphosa visits Gqeberha after devastating floods
Cyril Ramaphosa is in Gqeberha today, addressing the devastating floods that have ravaged parts of the Eastern Cape.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Gqeberha today, responding to the devastating floods that have wreaked havoc in parts of the Eastern Cape.
The visit comes in the wake of severe weather conditions that have led to significant loss of life and extensive damage to both public infrastructure and private property.
Ramaphosa aims to assess the coordinated response efforts of various government departments, entities, and civil society organisations.
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY UNITE IN RESPONSE TO FLOODS
The floods, which primarily impacted the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros, have left over 1000 families displaced and caused massive infrastructure damage.
At least ten lives have been lost in the deluge. The government is mobilising resources to address the crisis, with Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane emphasising the need for unity and vigilance as further rainfall is expected.
“Currently, government is conducting an assessment of damages and requests communities to remain united, vigilant, and monitor weather updates,” said Mabuyane.
He also called on the private sector to collaborate with the government to aid the flood victims, noting that relief efforts are being fast-tracked.
Mabuyane was joined by a ministerial delegation representing all three spheres of government. This delegation visited the affected areas in Gqeberha on Wednesday, starting their day with a technical meeting to review feedback from Disaster Response Teams about ongoing humanitarian relief efforts and the status of further interventions.
IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS
The delegation, led by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, and Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, visited several flood-stricken informal settlements, including Qunu, Izinyoka, Nomakanjani, and Bongweni.
They were accompanied by Mabuyane, deputy ministers, MECs, members of mayoral committees, and local municipal leaders.
Minister Kubayi highlighted the urgency of relocating families currently housed in mass care centres to safer temporary emergency accommodations, especially for mothers and small children.
“Our immediate priority is to ensure that all affected families have access to safe, temporary housing,” Kubayi stated.
She also underscored the need for temporary residential units as a medium- to long-term solution.
Nkadimeng has directed the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to work closely with the Joint District Operations Centre, the Eastern Cape provincial government, and affected municipalities to provide continued assistance and support. She echoed the call for public vigilance during heavy rains and advised road users to exercise caution.