Ladysmith – History has repeated itself as the Ladysmith CBD and its surrounding areas faced another round of flooding caused by heavy rainfall this Monday. Abed Karrim from Al-Imdaad Foundation reported that over 79 families had to undergo evacuation, with authorities and NGOs transporting them to designated safe zones.
Several weeks ago, a tragic incident unfolded in KwaZulu Natal (KZN), resulting in the loss of numerous lives due to severe weather conditions and flash floods. This ongoing devastation has particularly affected the community of Ladysmith.
“After ten days, Ladysmith is again in the news, and we still got another two to three months more for the summer season. Let’s make dua that everything stabilises.”
Despite today’s favourable weather conditions, described as bright and sunny by Karrim, he mentioned that the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is anticipated to provide oversight and to convene a meeting with key stakeholders to assess the situation of the displaced families and collaboratively determine a viable way forward.
“After this morning, we are going in for assessment reports, [discuss] the way forward, and to see whether the displaced people can be taken back to their homes to clean up and to get their lives back to normal, hopefully.”
Ladysmith Residents Need Solutions to the Floods
Flooding has become synonymous with KZN and various regions within the province in recent months and years. Such that whenever it rains, community members are apprehensive about the potential devastation to lives and properties.
This raises the question, What options are available to the residents of Ladysmith? Is relocation viable, and should the government take more proactive steps to spare them from enduring intermittent natural disasters?
According to Karrim, there have been previous discussions about relocating residents in specific areas. However, feasibility issues regarding relocation and concerns about the local drainage system contributing to flooding have hindered progress.
Despite commendable efforts to direct rainwater flow into dams and mitigate flood damage, Karrim asserts that a more enduring, sustainable, and practical solution is imperative because people cannot continue living under such conditions.
“Last year, when we had the floods, it was the same situation. We had to spend three months trying to help the community. So let’s make dua that these matters get sorted out by the authorities. [Until then] we can all assist the communities and get them back on their feet.”
