Mlamleli warns residents of climate change

The MEC has called on municipalities and residents to take into account climate change when they build houses

The Free State MEC for cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs, Olly Mlamleli, has called for increased education on climate change in order to minimise the impacts of natural disasters associated with global warming.

Mlamleli was addressing victims of a severe thunderstorm that pounded Kroonstad last week. The heavy rains wreaked havoc that more than 100 houses were flattened; furniture was destroyed and shacks were blown away. Many people also sustained serious injuries.

Parts of Maokeng were the worst affected with more residents displaced and relocated to other places of accommodation in the area. The flooding has caused thousands of Rands worth of damage.

During the MEC’s visit to assess the extent of the destruction, where she pledge her support to the municipality and had first-hand interaction with the victims, residents were still busy rebuilding their houses.

The MEC pointed out that such disasters were a direct result of climate change, which she said can be reversed through proper practices.

“Ward councillors must make communities aware of the problem of changing weather patterns, after this windstorm. Climate change is a reality and it is mercilessly disruptive; leaving us helpless against extreme weather patterns.

“The raging windstorm’s brief duration has left incalculable damage that has resulted in the loss of more than 1 000 homes and with it the displacement of families; irrecoverable loss of property, vegetation and roads,” said Mlamleli

Five areas within the Moqhaka Local Municipality, including Constantia Ward 8, Seisoville, Zumapark, Kwekwe Village and Phomolong, were affected by the storm.

Mlamleli also urged the community to work with government in tackling climate change challenges.

“It is time we took action and knew the challenges we face in recent years.”

Violent storms have become increasingly common in the province since last year, with hurricanes having already obliterated more than 300 homes in Harrismith, Bethlehem, Deneysville, Oranjeville and Reitz.