MEC Duma Pledges to Construct Temporary Housing for Families Affected by Umlalazi Veld Fires

During his visit to the affected families in Umlalazi and Mthonjaneni Local Municipalities, Duma provided comfort and assessed the damage and relief required.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, announced that the department is intensifying its efforts to construct Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) following the destruction of 196 homes by devastating veld fires in Umlalazi Local Municipality.

During his visit to the affected families in Umlalazi and Mthonjaneni Local Municipalities, Duma provided comfort and assessed the damage and relief required. Among the families visited was the Gazu family, who tragically lost a family member due to the fires. Muntukabongwa Gazu, 67, suffered severe burn injuries when the family's five mud houses in Ezinyosini - Ward 1, Umlalazi Local Municipality, were engulfed by the flames. Another family member, Japhet Gazu, remains hospitalized.

"We are here to offer solace to the Gazu family following the untimely death of their father. The distressing account of their experience underscores the need for us all to support them and other affected families," Duma stated.

He assured that Head of Department Mdu Zungu and the entire team would ensure the Gazu family receives a decent house and assistance with funeral arrangements.

"The Temporary Residential Unit for the Gazu family will be completed this weekend, allowing them to bury their father with dignity. Profiling of affected families is ongoing to ensure accurate information is provided to the Emergency Housing Unit in the national Department of Human Settlements.

"We agree with Human Settlements Minister Mammaloko Kubayi on the need for alternative building technology to construct fire and flood-resistant houses for vulnerable communities," Duma added.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for extremely high fire danger conditions in northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, including Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma, Big Five Hlabisa, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ulundi, uMlalazi, and uPhongolo.

The provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs department has urged residents in these areas to remain vigilant, take the warning seriously, and adhere to fire safety measures.