/ 3 March 2009

Malema: Don’t blame govt for Soweto floods

Government should not be blamed for the infrastructural problems which may have led to flooding in Soweto, said African National Congress (ANC) Youth League president Julius Malema on Tuesday.

”The floods were a natural disaster. Let’s not blame natural disasters on anyone,” Malema said.

He was visiting victims of last week’s floods which left two people dead, three others missing and 200 families homeless.

”We have seen what the floods have caused … and we are here to pledge solidarity because an injury to one is an injury to all.”

He said the youth league was in Soweto on Tuesday to put more pressure on government so that ”the work gets done quickly”.

”We know how long government can take to respond,” Malema said.

On Monday the City of Johannesburg said reconstruction and cleaning up in the wake of the floods will cost R350-million.

Spokesperson Gabu Tugwana said reconstruction of roads and bridges was under way.

”Water and electricity is now available, while pipes and infrastructure are being repaired. Clean-up operations of debris like sand, soil, stones and bricks are continuing.”

Tugwana said the city was distributing assistance in the form of food, clothing and blankets to affected families. — Sapa