The DA has neglected Cape Town's poor communities in the storms and severe cold weather of the past few days, Cosatu said.
|||Cape Town - The DA has neglected Cape Town's poor communities in the storms and severe cold weather of the past few days, Cosatu said on Monday.
It accused city mayor Patricia de Lille and premier Helen Zille of ignoring the devastation.
“The Congress of SA Trade Unions extends its condolences to all the people who are facing incredible hardships as a result of the Democratic Alliance refusing to prioritise the needs of the poor,” it said.
It accused the DA, which runs the province, of failing to plan ahead.
“They know when bad weather is going to hit, but they only send relief the next day. Whatever happened to preventive action?” Cosatu asked.
Cape Town's disaster risk management centre said it had helped thousands of people affected by the floods since the rain started on Saturday.
In collaboration with the non-governmental organisations HDI Support, the Mustadafin Foundation and the SA Red Cross Society, the centre had given 26 490 people hot meals and handed out 28 518 blankets in the worst affected areas since Saturday.
Spokesman Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said those displaced by the floods were being accommodated at community halls until other arrangements could be made.
Emergency workers continued to keep watch on informal settlements and the city's electricity, water and sanitation departments would try to restore services.
“With further rains expected over the next few days, the city will continue with its efforts to minimise the discomfort and inconvenience experienced by its citizens,” said Solomons-Johannes. - Sapa