About E76 million is needed to rehabilitate infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods wrecked by recent storms that affected several areas countrywide.
This was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thuli Dladla during a storm damage assessment tour led by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) yesterday in constituencies such as Mhlangatane, Mayiwane, and Ndzingeni, which highlighted the extensive destruction, particularly to homes, roads, and agricultural fields.
“NDMA has provided a comprehensive report indicating that about E76 million is required to rehabilitate the damages caused by the storms,” she said.
Dladla expressed gratitude to NDMA and the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS) for swiftly conducting assessments in affected communities and appealed to the public for patience as assistance was being coordinated.
“We understand the urgency of the situation and we ask for patience as government continues to assist affected families,” the DPM said.
Confirming the figures, NDMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Victor Mahlalela said the storm damage affected Mayiwane, Ndzingeni, and Mhlangatane Tinkhundla in Northern Hhohho, with Maphalaleni Inkhundla also partially impacted.
“The E76 million will be required to rehabilitate damaged roads, homes, and agricultural fields affected by the December 2 storms countrywide,” Mahlalela said.
READ MORE | Pastor collapses, dies while preaching
He revealed that 19 families had already received building materials as part of the ongoing rehabilitation process. Mahlalela further disclosed that in total there were 180 severely affected homesteads that required assistance, with NDMA supporting 100 households and BERCS helping 80 vulnerable families.
“The 180 affected includes the 19 that we have assisted so far. Families whose houses were completely destroyed will be attended to from January next year. For now, we are prioritising vulnerable families whose roofing was completely blown away,” he explained.
The 19 homesteads that received building materials were located in the three constituencies in Northern Hhohho. Items included roofing sheets, timber, nails, cement, and other essentials. Distribution was carried out by DPM Thuli Dladla together with NDMA.
At Mayiwane Inkhundla, 15 families from Mkhuzweni and Magengeni benefited, while three families received materials at Nkamanzi under Ndzingeni Inkhundla, and one family at Mhlangatane Inkhundla.
Dladla said families were selected based on severity of damage and vulnerability.
“The storms caused extensive damage to homes, schools, and roads. These families were prioritised due to emergency reasons, especially those whose roofing was completely blown away,” she said.
She added that NDMA would continue distributing building materials.
“Government cannot visit affected communities without bringing something. Vulnerable families are being prioritised, and more assistance will follow,” she said.
Dladla further cautioned communities to take safety seriously during storms, noting that climate change continued to expose the public to extreme weather conditions.
“During heavy rains and storms, people must seek safer places. Climate change is real and continues to affect our communities,” she said.
Ndzingeni MP Gcina Magagula said many families in Nkamanzi were affected, but only the most vulnerable could be assisted at this stage.
“We are grateful that no lives were lost. We are also thankful to the DPM, government, and NDMA for responding quickly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mayiwane MP Sicelo Dlamini said residents under his constituency suffered heavy losses, including livestock, homes, and fields.
“The inkhundla council was active in assessments and sourcing assistance. We appreciate the swift response from the DPM, government, and NDMA,” he said, pleading for calm as more assistance was on its way.
Mhlangatane MP and Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga also welcomed government’s response, saying it showed commitment to affected families.
“About 42 homesteads were affected in Mhlangatane. While waiting for government assistance, the inkhundla council donated food parcels to support families and complement government efforts,” he said.
