By Levy Masiteng
Families in the greater Hluvukani region affected by recent floods received essential household items on Wednesday as government departments, municipalities and humanitarian organisations joined forces to assist communities still recovering from the disaster.
The relief initiative was led by the Department of Social Development in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Ashraful Aid International Humanitarian Organisation, Ehlanzeni District Municipality and Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.
ALSO READ: Durban-born researcher advances personalised TB treatment
Hundreds of residents gathered to receive aid packages containing grocery hampers, cleaning materials, gas stoves, gas cylinders, kitchen utensils, blankets, plastic containers and other household essentials aimed at helping families rebuild their lives after the floods destroyed property and displaced residents.
Bushbuckridge mayor Moroane thanked stakeholders and humanitarian partners for their continued support to struggling families.
The intervention follows severe flooding in Bushbuckridge earlier this year after persistent heavy rains battered parts of Mpumalanga, causing rivers to overflow, roads to become inaccessible and homes to be damaged across several communities.
ALSO READ: Malema tells EFF youth to drive voter registration
The Mpumalanga Department of Education temporarily suspended classes in Bushbuckridge due to dangerous weather conditions and flooded roads affecting learners and teachers.
Government assessments later revealed that more than 2,000 households in Bushbuckridge were affected by the floods, with several wards suffering extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Wednesday’s handover in Hluvukani formed part of an ongoing humanitarian response aimed at helping affected residents recover from months of hardship caused by the severe weather conditions.
