NGQELENI – Executive Mayor of OR Tambo District Municipality, Mesuli Ngqondwana, visited Buntingville Bridge in Ngqeleni to assess the damage, as it is one of the bridges that were affected by heavy rains yesterday.

He confirmed that the recent heavy rains have had a devastating effect across the district. He said that although details were still sketchy, a learner from Ngobozana Village in Lusikisiki drowned yesterday.

“This rain has severely affected us. If you look at this bridge, its other side has been washed away by floods. Gravel roads were also affected. Apart from the bridge in Mqanduli town that was affected, some of the bridges in the villages that fall under this town were washed away and villagers are unable to move, and this also affected the schools.

“We have received lists of households that have been affected. For instance, at homesteads near the bridge in Buntingville, water nearly filled the houses and everything has been completely destroyed and damaged by water,” he said.

Ngqondwana said some homesteads in Libode were also affected by the heavy rains.

Mqanduli town, within the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, is among the areas that have experienced significant damage. Other affected areas include Ngqeleni, Green Farms in Port St Johns Local Municipality, as well as several communities around Qumbu and Tsolo in Mhlontlo Local Municipality.

“The district’s disaster management teams are on the ground assessing the extent of the damage, identifying affected households, and determining the immediate needs of communities where the heavy rains have disrupted daily activities and access to essential services.

“The assessment process is ongoing, and the municipality will provide a comprehensive update on the extent of the damage as well as the necessary interventions once the information has been consolidated.”

He said they remain committed to coordinating disaster response efforts, working with relevant stakeholders and ensuring that the needs of affected communities are identified and addressed.

“We urge all communities to remain vigilant and avoid crossing flooded rivers and low-lying bridges.”

This is developing story.

ALSO READ: Two learners drown while crossing bridge in Centane