uMngeni storm damage exposes asbestos roof risks
KZN Human Settlements accelerates asbestos roof replacement in uMngeni after storm damage.
The Department of Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal has raised concerns about asbestos roofs after a severe hailstorm in the Umngeni Local Municipality.
Officials say homes with asbestos roofs took the worst damage in Friday night's storms.
Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma visited the affected areas in Mpophomeni and KwaHhaza on Monday.
Spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya has warned that asbestos roofs are dangerous and can cause long-term lung damage.
Government moves to fast-track replacements
He says MEC Duma and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane have agreed to speed up the replacement of asbestos with safer material.
"We are giving priority to senior citizens from more than 820 residents who are living in this township established more than 50 years ago. More than 420 households have been profiled by disaster teams.
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"Critically, we are worried about hazardous asbestos roofs which remain highly dangerous and can cause long-term diseases such as severe lung damage. We have agreed on the need to speed up the replacement of asbestos with safer building materials as part of the rectification programme.
"Roving teams representing the Department of Human Settlements nationally and provincially, the KZN Department of Transport and UMgungundlovu District have been assigned to deliver much-needed interventions. [They] are working with councillors and disaster teams from the UMgungundlovu District and Umngeni Local [municipalities.”
What will the department focus on?
●Urgent plan to replace hazardous asbestos roofs
●Building materials for the damaged houses
●Temporary residential unit where necessary
●Much-needed food hampers and other necessities
●Repair and rehabilitation of damaged road infrastructure
Umngeni Mayor Chris Pappas says he is encouraged by Duma’s promise to replace all asbestos roofs affected by the storm.
"This commitment brings hope to more than 800 households who are currently facing difficult living conditions as a result of the damage. The uMngeni Municipality will continue to work closely with the Department of Human Settlements to ensure that this commitment is translated into urgent and tangible action.
“We will also consistently remind MEC Duma of his undertaking to return with an ‘urgent plan’ to replace all affected roofs.
"Our priority remains to ensure that residents are assisted as quickly as possible and that no household is left behind. We will continue to support affected communities while advocating for the necessary resources and interventions from the provincial government."
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