Day: June 13, 2024

The KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Department has estimated the cost of damage to various parts of the province, after last week’s heavy storms, at over R1.3 billion.

It said the eThekwini Metro accounts for almost R500 million.

The department said as the mop-up, recovery and relief efforts continue after the storms that left a trail of destruction in six district municipalities continue, the cost of the devastation has started to emerge.

About 20 schools and roads, bridges, community halls, and electricity infrastructure were also impacted.

‘At this stage, the estimated cost of damage amounts to over R1.3 billion for the entire province, with eThekwini Metro alone accounting for over R490 million. Ongoing assessments indicate that over 7 000 households so far have been affected,’ the department said on Wednesday.

The department said since last week, when the storms that claimed 12 lives struck, several sectors of the province and government, in collaboration with so
cial partners and private donors, have been on the ground assisting victims to restore their lives.

‘Today, the National Department of Human Settlements will deliver the first batch of building material, which will benefit about 674 households, at eMagwaveni in uThongathi. Donors and non-governmental organisations started delivering materials on Tuesday to many families.

‘The Department of Home Affairs deployed two mobile offices at the eMagwaveni shelter to assist people who lost their identity documents to apply for new documents. These mobile offices will be moved to all shelters to ensure that no one is left behind,’ the department said.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has also provided a basket of services, and so far, over 3 400 assessments have been processed for Social Relief of Distress food vouchers.

‘Over 2 000 hot meals have been provided on a daily basis since 4 June. Over 1 200 mattresses and 1 700 blankets have been distributed.’

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has
lauded all government departments, including public entities and social partners who have been at the forefront of assisting the storm victims.

‘As the provincial government, we are pleased with the support and commitment displayed by various departments and social partners in assisting families in distress. While our aim is not to keep families in mass care centres, we are satisfied with the services the government is providing to the affected families,’ Dube-Ncube said.

Nkadimeng commends swift and compassionate response

Meanwhile, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng has expressed her gratitude to the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal for their swift and compassionate response in aiding the victims of the recent tornado.

Joined by CoGTA MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, Nkadimeng conducted an oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday to assess relief and recovery efforts, particularly in uThongathi.

‘Your generosity and willingness to help have made a significant difference d
uring this challenging time,’ Nkadimeng said.

The Minister acknowledged the collective effort and solidarity displayed by the community, which has provided much-needed relief and support to those affected by this natural disaster.

‘Your actions exemplify the spirit of ubuntu and the strength of our community. Thank you for your kindness and unwavering support. Together, we will continue to rebuild and support those in need,’ Nkadimeng said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged youths in the state to shun drug use for the sake of their personal health, future and the society at large.

She gave the advice while flagging off Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse Campaign, in Awka on Thursday.

According to her, drug abuse has resulted in increased violence and crimes, higher prevalence in Hepatitis B and C virus, HIV/AIDS, and collapse in the social structure.

‘Our homes are losing the sacredness of culture and moral traditions.

‘Our communities have become havens for drug peddlers and manufacturers who use the element of fear and intimidation to silence the people who are willing to assist local authorities with valid information.

‘Healthy Living initiative is championing this fight in schools and communities to break the wall of illicit drugs economy which is booming at the detriment of our society.

‘We have constituted Healthy Living Overwatch in the 179 communities to monitor illicit drug dealers and report same to
security agencies.

‘The target is to make everyone a driver of solution to rid Anambra state of this deadly disease called drug abuse and save the lives and future of our children,’ Soludo said.

Mr Daniel Onyishi, Anambra Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said that the agency was working with the Governor’s wife to address the growing drug abuse cases in Anambra.

According to him, one out of every four user of illicit drugs is a woman.

‘According to recent statistics, Nigeria alone has 14.4 per cent drug abuse prevalence rate and it is projected that by 2030, it will rise to 40 per cent if nothing is done.

‘The major concern is that women, especially young girl are embracing substance abuse. One out of every four drug abuser is a woman and one out of five will suffer substance abuse disorder.

‘Women are key nurturers, moulders and caregivers in the society and should not be involved in illicit drug abuse,’ he said.

The NDLEA Commandant urged community leaders to support th
e agency with information about drug dealers in their environment.

In his remarks, Mr Titus Akpudo, President-General, Anambra State Association of Town Union, promised to take the message against substance abuse to the nooks and crannies of the state.

‘As community leaders, we must support the governor’s wife in the fight to eliminate substance abuse in our communities because if we do not act now, it will hunt us in future,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), says the country’s democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity but had remained steadfast because it is the best form of governance.

Its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a message to mark this year’s democracy day, emphasised the need for the government to lead the country with integrity and put its citizens first.

‘As we celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and the 31st anniversary of the widely acclaimed ‘freest and fairest’ presidential election of June 12, 1993, CAN congratulates the government and people of Nigeria.

‘Our democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity, from the struggles of its early years to the present-day trials of insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice.

‘Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our belief that democracy is the best form of government for our nation.

‘We urge the government to prioritise the common good, address pressing issues, and ensure that our democracy serves the people, not just
the interests of a few,’ he said.

Okoh emphasised the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance, saying that leaders must recognise that power is a sacred trust and that they would be held accountable for their actions.

He also stressed the need for unity and inclusivity, recognising the value of Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, and cultural differences.

‘Let us work together to build a stronger, more just Nigeria, where everyone has a voice and equal opportunity.

‘As people of faith, we believe that democracy is a gift from God, and we must steward it wisely.

‘We pray for divine guidance and wisdom for our leaders, and we urge all Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process.

‘Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn,’ Okoh stated.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some experts have called for a well-articulated and sustainable programme to decentralise the power sector regulatory environment and incentivise investors to boost natural gas production in Nigeria.

They said this at the American Business Council (ABC) Economic Update with theme: ‘Energising Nigeria: Navigating Challenges, Harnessing Opportunities,’ on Thursday in Lagos.

Prof. Barth Nnaji, the Chairman, Geometric Power Ltd., said for almost three decades, the world had been possessed with finding a solution to climate change, having identified fossil fuel as the main culprit to global warming.

Nnaji noted that Nigeria had set a target of 2030 to achieve complete flare-out in its oil industry with various aspirations to pursue renewable energy options.

Nnaji noted that, unfortunately, the non-availability of adequate gas for power and industrial processes would afflict all the initiatives, in spite of the country’s proven natural gas reserves of over 206 trillion cubic feet.

He said that while government
must be commended for exploring overseas markets for Nigeria’s natural gas for its benefit, they should bear in mind that ‘charity begins from home.

‘It is not just local power producers that are currently bleeding owing to insufficient gas.

‘There is no sufficient liquified petroleum gas for our kitchens and people are now resorting to firewood and coal for cooking, thus worsening the environmental crisis,’ he said.

Nnaji, also former Minister of Power, stressed the need for a total overhaul of the transmission arm of power generation, saying that the current national grid is grossly inadequate for 200 million.

‘Nigeria needs over 100,000 MW to meet its energy needs and we currently have just 13,000MW of installed capacity from which we are only able to put less than 5,000 MW on the grid due to reasons primarily of gas and transmission constraints.

‘The Nigerian government at every level should employ already tested approaches to collaborate with competent private sector operators to quickly progress po
wer availability to the level that matches our country’s sustainable economic growth desire,’ he said.

Mrs Margaret Olele, Chief Executive Officer, American Business Council, noted that the theme of the event was a critical conversation on how government and private sector can best move forward to energise the country.

Olele noted that in spite of the economic reforms by the current administration and the implementation of the Petroleum Industrial Act, Nigeria was still unable to meet Organisations of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota.

‘Issues of theft, insecurity have impacted the country meeting its OPEC quota and it is important to address this because a major chunk of the country’s revenue is tied to the power, oil and gas sector.

‘The gas we have is still underutilised and power generation issues is impacting manufacturers and everybody in general so we are here to unload and shift your mindsets from the status quo to innovation and progression amidst the challenges,’ she said
.

Mr Martins Arogie, Partner, Energy and Natural Resources Services, KPMG, said that Nigeria’s energy industry was considered one of the most inefficient in meeting the needs of its customers globally, in spite of the country’s enormous energy resources.

Arogie noted that underutilisation of these resources was rampant and exacerbated by a chronic imbalance in the electricity and petroleum products markets.

This situation, Arogie said, had threatened Nigeria’s energy security, harmed the economy, increased income inequality and energy poverty, weakened industrialisation processes, and the undermine efforts to achieve sustained economic growth.

‘In a market where demand far outstrips the current supply, Nigeria’s energy sector presents attractive investment opportunities within its various subsectors including oil and gas, electricity and renewables.

‘With an abundance of both renewable and non-renewable resources, Nigeria provides immense opportunities for sustainable solutions to address existing energy
demand gap and contribute to government’s drive to improve the efficiency and contribution of the sector.

‘Therefore, it has become imperative for all the stakeholders to collaborate to address the challenges hampering the development of energy sector and unlock the vast opportunities that it holds for the country, Africa and the world,’ he said.

Mrs Eyono Fatayi-Williams, President, Women in Energy Network, noted that Nigeria, blessed with a lot of natural resources, has a 206 trillion feet of proven gas reserves, which means there’s so much that can be done to harness the country’s gas resources.

Fatayi-Williams noted that the country had a lot of room for growth, particularly as gas has been recognised globally as the transition fuel in energy transition.

‘So, gas development is a good thing and gas development will help in closing the huge deficit we have seeing that what Nigeria produces and what it needs are at two different points apart.

‘But I think our message is the government declared a decade
of gas and we are still in that decade and that decade of gas is supposed to be the big ticket, and we look forward to that happening.

‘I think the government can continue in that trajectory and we are bound to see positive changes and we look forward to when Nigeria can actually become a gas-powered economy in 2020,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George, has described the first sittings of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) as a reflection of the electoral mandate of the people of South Africa, as expressed in the recent elections.

‘The people have spoken. They have chosen a Parliament that will represent them, as freely elected representatives as reflected in the preamble of the Constitution, to champion their causes, and serve their interests for the next five years,’ he said on Thursday.

George held a media briefing on Thursday as Parliament gears up to host the first sittings of the two Houses of Parliament scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

Tomorrow’s proceedings will also see Members of Parliament (MPs) electing a President who will form the seventh administration to govern the nation.

‘Over the past months, the administration of Parliament has undertaken extensive preparatory work to ensure a seamless transition from the sixth term to the seventh term of Parliament. This h
as been a pivotal moment for us as a nation, involving a delicate constitutional process that has not been without its challenges.’

He touched on the challenges they have had to overcome such as court challenges to ensure the success of these important inaugural sittings of the two Houses of Parliament.

‘This collective effort underscores our commitment to upholding the democratic principles underpinning our Constitution and ensuring that the will of the people is effectively translated into action.

‘With each step in this constitutional process having been meticulously followed and adhered to, we now stand at the cusp of yet another critical milestone in the history of our constitutional democracy.’

George explained that it was the Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s responsibility to determine the dates for the first sittings of both Houses to preside over these sittings.

‘Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has diligently complied with these constitutional obligations, ensuring that the two Houses of Parliament hol
d their first sittings within the prescribed 14-day period as mandated by the Constitution.’

The Secretary announced that the inaugural sittings will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Parliamentary process

The Chief Justice will open the session and preside over the swearing-in of all the permanent delegates appointed by their respective provinces.

‘This will follow the first sittings of the provincial legislatures to elect permanent and non-permanent delegates to the NCOP.

‘After presiding over the swearing-in of the 54 designated permanent delegates, the Chief Justice will also chair the election of the Chairperson of the Council.’

Once elected, the new Chairperson will take over the proceedings and preside over the election of the Deputy Chairpersons.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Justice Zondo will also preside over the election of the Speaker of the NA and then he or she will take over the proceedings and preside over the election of the Deputy Speake
r.

‘These elections are crucial for the proper constitution of the National Assembly, as they ensure the leadership structure is in place to guide the House’s functions and duties.’

Once the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected, George explained that the NA will then be constitutionally competent to proceed with electing a Member of the Assembly to be inaugurated as the President.

‘This is a crucial process, as it sets the stage for the formation of the new administration that will govern the country. Once elected, the person ceases to be a Member of Parliament.’

George has assured citizens that all necessary voting infrastructure has been meticulously prepared to ensure a smooth and secure election process.

This includes the setup of voting booths for privacy, the provision of ballot boxes for the collection of votes, the preparation of the voters’ roll to verify eligible voters, and the availability of safety boxes for the secure safekeeping of ballot papers.

‘We are fully prepared for the first sit
tings … Our comprehensive preparations ensure that every aspect of these inaugural sessions, from logistical arrangements to security measures, have been meticulously planned and implemented.

‘We are confident that the proceedings will unfold smoothly and effectively, marking the successful commencement of the 7th democratic Parliament,’ said George.

Source: South African Government News Agency