The Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery is embarking on a series of oversight visits to assess the extent of government assistance and damage caused by the devastating floods that occurred in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province this year. With a focus on flood disaster relief and recovery efforts, the committee aims to gain a clear understanding of the measures implemented by the government and establish the level of support provided to the affected communities.
Oversight Visit Itinerary
The oversight visits will take place over a three-day period, starting from Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The detailed itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of the committee’s engagements and site visits:
Day 1: Wednesday, 28 June 2023 (ETHEKWINI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY)
The first day of the oversight visit will commence with an official opening program at 09:00. The program will feature purpose and introduction sessions, as well as briefings by key stakeholders including the KZN office of the Premier, Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Provincial Department of Human Settlements, eThekwini Metro Mayor, and Umgeni Water CEO. This session, scheduled for one hour, will be held at the Premier Splendid Inn Hotel in Pinetown.
Following the official opening, the committee will embark on site visits to Nagle Aqueducts 1 & 2, assessing the infrastructure’s condition in relation to the recent floods. Afterward, a lunch break will be observed before visiting Umlazi and Berm access road, where the impact of the floods will be evaluated.
Day 2: Thursday, 29 June 2023 (ETHEKWINI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY)
The second day of the oversight visit will begin at 10:00 with a site visit to the Tongaat water treatment plant, examining the facility’s state and its ability to cope with flood-related challenges. Later, the committee will visit Temporary Emergency accommodation in Frazer, assessing the effectiveness and adequacy of the interim housing arrangements for affected residents.
Day 3: Friday, 30 June 2023 (ETHEKWINI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY)
On the final day of the oversight visit, the committee will continue to assess the Temporary Emergency Accommodation and proceed to various areas that were significantly affected by the 2023 flood incidents. The specific areas to be visited will be identified by the municipality, with Point Road and the Astra Building on Russel Street being among the potential locations.
Objectives and Significance of the Oversight Visit
The primary objective of the Ad Hoc Joint Committee’s oversight visit is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the extent to which the government has provided assistance to the KZN province in terms of flood disaster relief and recovery. By visiting the affected areas, the committee aims to evaluate the impact of the floods on infrastructure, housing, and water treatment facilities. This assessment will contribute to the government’s ongoing efforts to improve future disaster response strategies, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and timely support to affected communities.
Conclusion
As the Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery undertakes its oversight visits, it aims to gather crucial information regarding the government’s assistance in response to the devastating floods in the KwaZulu-N.
