BY SABELO GWEBU
MBABANE – The Deputy Prime Minister and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) is compiling a comprehensive report on the recent damage across the country caused by persistent rainfall.
DPM Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku and a selected NDMA delegation including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Russell Dlamini were flown by helicopter by the Non-Governmental Organisation Mercy Air on the South of Lubombo and across the Shiselweni regions to access damage estimated to be in millions of Emalangeni.
Masuku said on Tuesday afternoon at cabinet offices that only the report can determine the exact monetary value of damage and if the was a need for government to declare a state of emergency. The persistent rainfalls experienced over the past two weeks have damaged roads, left bridges submerged and destroyed with other structures destroyed and crops left submerged in water.
“Most of the damage has been in northern Hhohho and Maphiveni. It is not the government’s intention to declare a state of emergency as that will mean sourcing funds from other departments and sourcing funds from donors,” he said.
The assessment was focusing on the water basin areas including along the Lusutfu, Ngwavuma and Mkhondvo rivers.
NDMA CEO Dlamini added that the agency together with the ministry of finance is working on a readiness plan for future disasters.
“The readiness plan has started with a diagnostic assessment and is in line to be implemented,” he said. Students have been the most affected, unable to reach their respective schools and Masuku affirmed that the ministry of education has a plan for such unfortunate instances as right implemented during the COVID-19 period.
