DURBAN - In just over three months, at least 21 people have lost their lives due to severe weather conditions, including floods, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The government is now reassessing support for the province, with alternative housing being considered for those displaced.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Hlabisa has emphasised the need for tough decisions to be made regarding residents living in flood-prone areas.
READ | Parents fear for children's safety in flood-damaged KZN schools
This as he warns that their current settlements is a "ticking time bomb."
“These people are in a danger zone, and we need to take action soon before another disaster strikes,” he said.
Hlabisa added that there is also a need to priorities government programs, particularly focusing on housing solutions .
Meanwhile the Minister of Human Settlement Thembi Simelane said residents are willing to be moved on to safer grounds theirs now is to find land that is far away from the streams.
She said they are working on providing land that is sustainable and durable to build
The minister assured that funding is available and will prioritse those living in flood prone areas.
At the height of this crisis, also feeling the brunt is schools within the province
Scores of schools were left damaged resulting teaching and learning being halted as schools were inaccessible due to damaged roads.
Some schools have seen flooding as well as damages to ceiling and roofing.
The KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka says they to need to look at prioritising it's budget to fix affected schools