SACP Western Cape welcomes the state of disaster declaration in the Western Cape Province

15 July 2024

Given the devastating and disastrous nature of the current heavy rains and storms, the South African Communist Party (SACP) in Western Cape sends a warm heartfelt message of hope and stands in solidarity with displaced citizens in the province, whose properties have been destroyed and collapsed infrastructure has disconnected them.

The SACP welcomes the declaration of the state of disaster by the provincial government and calls for the prioritisation of the poor in townships and rural communities in its rescue initiatives and plans amidst this unfortunate and disastrous state of affairs.

The SACP's call emanates from the fact that the most vulnerable and helpless are the poor from mostly the townships and rural communities whose underground sewer storm-water infrastructure is in a forever dilapidating state. Some of these communities are underdeveloped in a form of informal settlements, without any form of drainage infrastructure, roads access or connections.

The SACP has always challenged and warned the government of Western Cape to attend to the state of infrastructure and the standard of sewer and drainage infrastructure, especially in townships. If this call has not been falling to the deaf ears of the DA led racist government, who take the interests of only affluent minority groups, lives could have been preserved and further damage to property could have been prevented.

As the SACP welcomes the state of disaster declaration as announced by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, we further call for responsible and evenly distribution of all forms of disaster grants respectively from all government levels to the needy across the length and breadth of the province, and expedite the implementation of recovery measures to restore lives, reconnect people, repair infrastructure and reactivate the economy.

This must be done through inclusive teams which must include expertise and authorities across sectors of the society. Land owners must give access to land, including government land for development of human settlement.

The SACP also commends the act of generosity by private donors and NGOs who have already offered some assistance and pledged support, and further calls on others to join the common cause for humanity.

ISSUED BY THE SACP WESTERN CAPE

For Enquiries Contact:

Benson Ngqentsu - Provincial Secretary
082 796 6400

Lizwi Gegula - Provincial Spokesperson
078 827 2274