NUPSAW is saddened by the loss of lives in the Eastern Cape
The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) is saddened by the loss of lives due to devastating floods and extreme weather conditions that have struck the Eastern Cape province. According to reports from the authorities, 57 people died in the deluge that has engulfed several parts of villages leaving many displaced and facing hardship in Mthatha.
We call on the authorities to speedily attend to the situation in the area to find a permanent solution to the problem. Considering the impact of the disaster a cooperative effort is needed to provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable and affected areas in the province.
These tragedies are not new to the Eastern Cape and it is clear that the government in the province has no clear plans to save lives and provide dignified houses and sanitation to the people in the province. Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape have had their houses destroyed by the floods and there is no prompt action to mitigate and avoid further loss of lives.
It is devastating to learn that 20 health care facilities and 58 schools were damaged. This is a cause of concern as ordinary people, especially the working class, in the province rely on the public service for health care. We also call on the relevant authorities to ensure that both schools and the health care facilities are speedily repaired to ensure access to education and health care is not undermined.
We further call on the government to ensure effective storm water management strategies to reduce flooding in the future and to identify the most suitable land to relocate all the people affected to avoid similar incidents in the future. NUPSAW also commend all the rescue teams for working tireless to save lives during this most difficult situation.
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