By Khulile Thwala
The Northern Hhohho, specifically Nkyakatfo, and Northern Lubombo, Maphiveni, were the most affected areas by the recent heavy rains that infiltrated the kingdom this past week. 
He indicated that although the damage was extensive, they would not declare a state of emergency as yet.
“Once the comprehensive report has been concluded then it will be determined as to whether a state of emergency will be declared. However, for now, we do not have the intention to do so and are awaiting the assessment and investigations being done by NDMA,” said Masuku.
He said on Monday the assessment was conducted by the prime minister through a tour of the damaged roads and on Tuesday it was him, therefore numerous assessments had to be done and the conclusions on the report would determine the way forward.
NDMA CEO Russell Dlamini concurred with Masuku and further said they would not implement the readiness plan introduced in previous years by the DPM as it was specifically for the worst-case scenario and this was not it.
In terms of the use of a disaster management fund, Dlamini said a diagnostic report was done as to how this fund can be used and structured, and they were currently looking at how best this fund can receive finances. 
“It will require experts from other countries to determine how best to introduce and use the fund,” said Dlamini.
The DPM in closing said they urged the nation to avoid building houses near rivers and dams or in areas that have large water sources.
“As we have seen in international media platforms, many houses which experienced damage were those which were constructed close to a river source,” he said.
