Orkney - The Inkatha Freedom Party on Tuesday expressed concern about residents of Khuma, in the North West, whose homes have not been repaired following the earthquake in August.
“This is disheartening because people were promised that their homes will be repaired when the assessment was conducted, but nothing has happened to relieve their plight,” IFP secretary general Sibongile Nkomo said in a statement.
More than 600 houses were damaged when the 5.5 magnitude quake hit the township. A 31-year-old man was killed and at least 34 miners were injured.
Government at the time said those affected would be assisted and the houses severely damaged were declared unsafe for occupation. Families were told to move to safer locations and others moved to a community centre.
Last Tuesday, North West provincial government spokeswoman Bonolo Mohlakoana said an assessment on the extent of the damage was complete, but a request for funding had not yet been sent to the National Disaster Management Centre.
She said the delay was caused in part by a shortage of structural engineers needed to assess the houses.
“The assessment has been done. Now they are working on the cost implications, which we will send to the National Disaster Management Centre soon.”
Nkomo said the IFP was very concerned about the delay.
“They are victims of a natural disaster and the provincial government is responsible to bring relief at this time.”
The party called on North West premier Supra Mahumapelo to fast-track the process.
Sapa