The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) notes the announcements made by President Ramaphosa this evening.
In light of the widespread and devastating flooding on the East Coast of South Africa, the IFP appreciates the need to declare a National State of Disaster. In addition to the extensive work that is underway to restore basic services such as water, electricity, and sanitation, we welcome the government’s efforts to provide humanitarian relief. We further welcome the three-phase strategy, to deal with the immediate, medium-term, and long-term relief and recovery measures.
We would also like to echo the President’s words and express our heartfelt thanks to emergency services and healthcare workers, the police and SANDF, as well as the many volunteers and NGO representatives, community workers and public representatives for their efforts to assist those affected by the floods.
We call on all government departments involved to step up to the plate, and to ensure that all assessments needed prior to reconstruction, recovery and rehabilitation work be conducted swiftly and accurately, to restore much-needed infrastructure as soon as possible.
The IFP was pleased to hear the President’s announcement calling for a joint sitting of Parliament, so as to involve MPs directly in the oversight of all the essential work needed to rebuild. We also appreciate the strong words relating to the need for all resources to reach their intended recipients, and that corruption, fraud and mismanagement will not be tolerated.
The IFP will offer any support needed to the envisioned oversight structure.
Despite all the measures announced by the President, ultimately, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. As the IFP, we will be closely monitoring the disbursement of funds meant for disaster relief efforts. Transparency and accountability need to be the order of the day.
IFP leadership and members across KZN will continue to provide assistance and support, as we have been doing since the flooding began. We are committed to ensuring that every community is seen and heard and importantly, gets the relief and practical help they need – and deserve.
The IFP would again like to reiterate our sincere condolences to all who have lost loved ones. May they rest in peace.
—
Contact
Hon. Mkhuleko Hlengwa
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539