Government steps in to thousands of residents affected by storm

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, says elderly residents are being prioritised as government intensifies relief efforts following the devastating hailstorm and heavy rains that struck Mpophomeni on Friday evening. Duma, accompanied by uMgungundlovu District Municipality mayor Mzi Zuma, visited affected families on Monday in Mpophomeni. The storm left widespread destruction, with more than 1,000 houses damaged many with roofs punctured by large hailstones and windows shattered leaving families exposed.

According to Duma, more than 820 residents have been identified for urgent assistance, with a particular focus on senior citizens in the township, which is over 50 years old. Duma said disaster management teams have so far profiled more than 420 affected households as part of ongoing assessments. “We are giving priority to senior citizens,” Duma said, adding that the district has already provided temporary relief to those affected.

He raised concern over the prevalence of asbestos roofing in the area, describing it as a serious health hazard. “We are worried about hazardous asbestos roofs, which remain highly dangerous and can cause long-term diseases such as severe lung damage,” he said. Duma confirmed that Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has responded urgently following a request for intervention. He said government has agreed to accelerate the replacement of asbestos roofs with safer building materials as part of an ongoing rectification programme.