Mashatile urges municipalities to improve disaster management and spatial planning

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has flagged the response and management of weather-related disasters as critical challenges for municipalities, urging them to enhance their efforts in this regard.

Mashatile delivered the keynote address at the closing of the South African Local Government Association’s (SALGA) National Assembly held in Durban.

The three-day event brought more than 1,000 local government officials across the country under one roof to deliberate on ways to improve service delivery and governance in municipalities.

His address comes four days after devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

While mop-up operations continue in the flood-stricken New Hanover, Deputy President Paul Mashatile weighed in on the devastating weather-related disaster.

He said he studied the reports on the recent incidents.

He criticised the building of homes in areas that were not conducive for building, such as spaces near flood lines.

He urged the mayors and municipal officials to come up with plans to address weather disasters.

"In this regard, we would like municipalities to strengthen municipal spatial arrangements because this will be very crucial to avoid some of these disasters by ensuring land that is used safely and sustainably through measures like proper zoning, ensuring infrastructure planning."

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that more inclement weather was on its way.