Over 400 schools and 1,400 classrooms damaged in EC floods

MORE than 400 schools and 1400 classrooms have been damaged in the recent floods which devastated large parts of the Eastern Cape. 

The floods have claimed the lives of 92 people, affecting more than 4 300 people, according to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane. He said 48341 learners were also affected following the damage in 413 schools. 

In his keynote address during the provincial day of mourning in Mthatha on Thursday,  Mabuyane said significant progress had been made in the restoration of critical infrastructure, particularly water supply systems. 

Full restoration is anticipated across all affected areas on Friday. 

Authorities had been criticised by community members for its slow disaster response.  Mabuyane said the latest events were a lesson that “it is no longer enough to react to disasters”.

“There are many lessons we must all learn from this kind of tragedy. However, today I want to highlight the reality of climate change.  Therefore, it is no longer enough to react to disasters. We must prepare for them and prevent them where possible,” Mabuyane said. 

He cautioned that the funds dedicated to repair the damage should not be seen as a “get rich quick scheme”.

“Our collective immediate task is to work with families to ensure that the souls we lost in this tragedy are buried with dignity.  After that we work together to start the rebuilding process in the affected communities. This tragedy should not and will not be used as a get rich quick scheme. Any funds dedicated to it will be used prudently to help our people rebuild their lives.”

Gift of the Givers said things were much “calmer” following alleged extortion attempts on their teams distributing water in Mthatha. They called on the community to help find the vehicle allegedly involved in the incident. 

“We need that person arrested. This is a message to all the water mafia: that we will take you on wherever you are because Gift of the Givers is not afraid of anyone. We have the support of the government, the SAPS, the SANDF, and above all we have the support of the communities and the municipalities when it comes to assisting people in dire need, as is the case now in Mthatha and the Eastern Cape. This kind of heinous behaviour has to stop. Profiteering off the hardship of people has to stop,” the humanitarian organisation said.

CAPE TIMES