The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements has raised concern over the continued use of asbestos roofing in uMngeni Local Municipality following severe damage caused by a recent hailstorm.
Officials say homes with asbestos roofs suffered the worst impact during Friday night’s storm, which left several communities in Mpophomeni and KwaHhaza in need of urgent assistance.
KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma visited the affected areas on Monday to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts.
Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya warned that asbestos roofing poses serious health risks, including long-term lung damage, and confirmed that efforts to replace such structures will be fast-tracked.
He said MEC Duma and National Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane have agreed to prioritise the removal of asbestos roofs and their replacement with safer building materials as part of an ongoing rectification programme.
“We are giving priority to senior citizens among more than 820 residents in this township, which was established over 50 years ago. Over 420 households have already been profiled by disaster teams,” Sibiya said.
He added that multidisciplinary roving teams, including officials from provincial and national departments, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, and the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, have been deployed to coordinate interventions in affected areas.
“These teams are working alongside councillors and disaster management units to ensure urgent support reaches affected households,” he said.
uMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas welcomed the provincial government’s commitment, saying it brings relief to more than 800 households affected by the storm.
He said the municipality would continue working closely with provincial authorities to ensure that the promised interventions are implemented without delay.
“We will also continue to engage the MEC on his undertaking to return with an urgent plan to replace all affected roofs,” Pappas said.
“Our priority is to ensure that residents receive immediate assistance and that no household is left behind.”