The Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has indicated that they’ve been left no choice but to declare a State of Disaster in Gauteng following torrential rains that has wreaked havoc in the past few days.

LESUFI SPEAKS ABOUT THE REASONS FOR A STATE OF DISASTER

During his State of the Province Address, Lesufi said every day they are inundated with emergency calls as houses are collapsing.

“We have now reached a stage where we have to declare a state of disaster in this municipality.”

Lesufi

ALSO READ: National State of Disaster declared over devastating impact of flooding

WHAT IS BEING DONE FOR GAUTENG AT THE MOMENT

He said the Minister is preparing the necessary paperwork for the declaration, “but in the interim, we are providing the following solutions:

• Establishing a permanent Emergency Disaster Site;
• Early detection of sinkholes;
• Provision of psychosocial support to affected families;
• Running a public campaign about the dangers of sinkholes and
• Urging communities in dangerous areas to migrate within a reasonable time to areas made available.

“The Vaal River/Dam disaster is receiving our immediate attention as well,” he said, adding that they will continue to assist their residents in that area.

CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING DURING SOPA

Premier Lesufi also cautioned about Climate Change.

“CLIMATE CHANGE Honourable members, Climate change is here to stay. The air quality in the region continues to deteriorate,” he warned.

He continued: “The water quality and now quantity is on a decline. This places vulnerable sectors more at risk. As the government, we are making efforts to mitigate against the factors which contribute to climate change. Among other efforts in combating climate change, we are investing in green technology and planting trees. We’ve now entered an era of disasters. We have to be ready as the provincial government. For the reasons above, we are establishing a combat-ready Disaster Management Centre with state-of-the-art disaster management equipment. It will also house helicopters, drones, and highly skilled personnel that can respond within the shortest possible time. Areas prone to disasters such as the Jukskei River in Alexandra Township will receive additional support to relocate within the shortest possible time when the disaster centre is in full force”.