Dear Editor
The ANC-led government in KZN is once again failing the people of the province in their hour of need.
The province experienced this in July 2021 during the attempted insurrection and now less than a year later the people of KZN are once again left to literally fend for themselves.
Its almost a week since the devastating rains and floods hit certain parts of our province. Other than a media walkabout by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Premier Sihle Zikalala, very little seems to be happening on the ground with disaster management or communication with communities, as many are still left homeless and vast areas have had no water or electricity since the flood damage.
Police presence across the disaster area is once again non-existent with looters once again taking to the street. It appears government learnt nothing after the attempted insurrection.
Its alleged that at a recent meeting with municipal managers from across the province the concern raised was that there was no coordination between all spheres of government, national, provincial, local and district. It’s further alleged that no structure has been established to coordinate the relief efforts. If these allegation are indeed true then clearly the ANC are responsible for a failed state.
The DA calls on both the Premier and the MEC of CoGTA to inform the people of the province what, if any, structure is in place to coordinate the disaster management, clean up and restoration of the supply of services to the affected areas. People have lost their lives and livelihoods. Now is not the time to believe our exiting disaster management structure will function effectively.
Many provinces, such as the Western Cape have offered disaster relief support. Is this offer being taken up and if so what is happening on the ground? Why the radio silence?
If the Premier and his executive are unable to coordinate the disaster relief programme the DA will happily step in and assist.
Regards
Francois Rodgers MPL
Leader of the DA in KZN
