Mpumalanga – The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery has commended the progress made in Mpumalanga’s flood-stricken municipalities, following an oversight visit that concluded on Friday.

According to South African Government News Agency, engagements with mayors, councillors, and senior management of the Lekwa Local Municipality in Gert Sibande District Municipality and Mbombela Local Municipality in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality were productive. The committee also reviewed detailed updates from the provincial departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Social Development.

The visit aimed to scrutinize interventions addressing infrastructure damage caused by last year’s floods and the ongoing humanitarian support extended to flood victims. The committee acknowledged the substantial progress, which includes rebuilding a bridge, restoring water pump stations, and repairing roads. However, they noted that there remains potential for further improvement in the recovery efforts.

Provincial authorities highlighted the significance of complying with the Spatial Land Use Management Act, pointing out that many homes affected by the flooding had been constructed on floodplains.

The committee has urged both provincial and municipal governments to enhance their disaster management strategies, taking into consideration the impacts of climate change.

Co-chairperson Jomo Nyambi expressed the committee’s approval of the remedial actions and the accuracy of the reports in representing the on-the-ground realities of the aftermath.