Storm-ravaged Ficksburg should be declared a national disaster area, Free State premier Ace Magashule said on Wednesday.
Magashule and the provincial executive visited the Setsoto municipality to inspect relief efforts in the area after it was struck by a tornado early on Monday.
The premier said he would make a formal request for the town and its vicinity to be declared a national disaster area.
“We will send a letter to ask the national department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs.”
The premier and the provincial executive visited the family of nine-year-old Jama Mokhekhe, who was killed when a wall collapsed on him.
Another 42 people were injured and 122 RDP houses and shacks in the area were destroyed.
Magashule said some residents had already started rebuilding their homes.
Eskom was also busy restoring power to the community after power lines were flattened.
Magashule said it was heartening to see the whole community pulling together in the disaster situation.
“It is wonderful.”
The disaster management efforts of local businesses and those from outside the community were commendable, he said.
Meqheleng has already been declared a provincial disaster area. -
Sapa