Floods, fires and failing infrastructure push municipalities to the brink

A national disaster has been declared as floods and wildfires continue to devastate parts of South Africa, resulting in over 30 deaths and the destruction of thousands of homes across the affected provinces.

"Climate change is really presenting difficult times for human beings. The destruction of the infrastructure is huge, but most unfortunately, human souls that have been lost," said Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.

He added that some of the deaths occurred after residents disregarded clear warnings, urging communities to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities.

The South African Local Government Association has warned that many of these municipalities are buckling under the pressure and that they aren't prepared to deal with this state of disaster.

Hlabisa acknowledges that poor and ageing infrastructure has worsened the impact of the disasters.

"The infrastructure in many, especially rural communities, was already not in a good state because of the financial constraints, but this has been worsened by these floods.

"I'm hoping that the intervention through classification will repair our infrastructure and build better. We will be monitoring the repairs. The rebuilding must be resilient because we are living in the times of climate change.

"We cannot afford to rebuild this year, and five months down the line, when heavy rains come, everything is washed away. Resilient infrastructure is going to be the order of the day."

To listen to Hlabisa in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: