Doctors without Borders concerned about water, sanitation, Covid crises colliding in KZN

Doctors without Borders say they are concerned about the health situation in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Two weeks after devastating flooding hit the province - leading to the death of more than 400 people - thousands of people are still being housed in shelters. 

Doctors without Borders' Sean Christie says many shelters have no water, electricity, or proper sanitation. 

In addition, very few people wear masks in shelters. 

This week, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said the country is entering the fifth wave of Covid-19 infections much earlier than expected.

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"These shelters are overcrowded rally without any prospect of social distancing," notes Cristie. 

"We are concerned because we see mainly cold and flu symptoms, possibly indicative of Covid breaking out in these shelters. So there is the risk of airborne diseases as well as waterborne currently."

He adds that sentiments expressed by the likes of opposition parties that there is not enough coordination in disaster relief efforts can be seen first-hand on ground level. 

"The coordination needs to improve and I think all authorities will acknowledge this quite happily," he says. 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was expected in Ethekwini on Saturday to visit various shelters that are housing flood victims.