HUMAN Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has visited the Jagersfontein community in the Free State to assess the aftermath after mudslide.
This after the tragic event when the wall of a mining dam burst, leaving three dead, six others missing, and more than 200 people homeless.
Kubayi said she came to represent two departments – the Human Settlements and Minister Gwede Mantashe’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy – since he’s out of the country.
She said they came to try and help the communities to survive the first phase of the events.
“For one, many people have lost their documentations, so we need to get Home Affairs and Sassa to come on sight and help,” said the minister.
“We also need to nurses, doctors and counsellors on sight because there are many people who are traumatised and some are getting sick.”
She said they have no idea as to what caused the people to get sick, but they’ll hear from the doctors.
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“You know it’s only been 24 hours since the incident. So from the report we got in the morning is that some are sick from the mud, but we will hear as the day goes,” she said.
Kubayi said they also came to assist with food, and they were working hand in hand with non-profit organisations in that regard.
“The mining organisation has committed to provide accommodation for the victims until Friday, but we’re still in talks regarding that, because our interest is to not have our people in halls.”
Emergency Medical Services Spokesman Sipho Towa said search and rescue efforts were still underway to locate the people who are unaccounted for.
He said the police diving team and a helicopter has been sent to assist with search and rescue efforts.
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Meanwhile, Eskom has released a statement stating that they made significant progress in restoring bulk electricity supply to Jagersfontein.
The power utility said the Rietkuil Substation was engulfed by mud, severely damaging the infrastructure.
“Rietkuil Substation is a bulk supply point from which Centlec, the electricity distributor in the area, supplies Jagersfontein and Charlesville. Electricity supply to Jagersfontein Mine was restored yesterday afternoon.
“In addition, plans are in motion to restore bulk supply to Centlec through alternative feeders,” said Eskom.
The power utility added that if all goes according to plan, bulk supply should be restored by Tuesday, 13 September.
