COSATU in the Eastern Cape expresses its support and solidarity with the victims of the recent floods that have had devastating effects in Nelson Mandela Metropole. The Federation notes that Nelson Mandela Metro was also the hardest hit area during the flood in June this year.
This time around there are more areas affected than the previous time in both Gqeberha and Kariega and the extent of infrastructure damage is unparalleled. Apart from human settlements damage, the flood resulted in the disruption of electricity, water and sanitation, social services, logistic and communications networks and other economic activities.
COSATU is encouraged by the visit of Provincial Government led by the Premier of the Province, Honorable Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, MEC’s and MPL’s as well as subsequent interventions made. The Premier confidently expressed that all spheres of government will play their part in assisting the affected communities. Over 3 000 people are displaced, and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality has opened 19 centres that are being used as shelters for the affected citizens.
We look forward to speedy interventions that will help the affected to reclaim their livelihood.
We also urge government to investigate and start rolling out initiatives to mitigate climate change as more of these inclement weather episodes are bound to impact citizens adversely if no decisive action is taken.
Issued by COSATU Eastern Cape
Mkhawuleli Maleki(COSATU Provincial Secretary)
Mobile: 082 339 5482
Email: mkhawuleli@cosatu.org.za
mediadon.co.za
mediadon.co.za
