The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Ministry has revealed an estimated cost of R2.5 billion for the extensive damage in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), caused by relentless downpours in the province.
Over the past month, KZN has been grappling with severe weather conditions, resulting in the loss of 23 lives and substantial destruction of roads and infrastructure. COGTA Minister Thembi Nkadimeng recently conducted an assessment in the Uthugela District Municipality to gauge the full extent of the devastation caused by the inclement weather.
Minister Nkadimeng expressed concern, stating that additional heavy rainfall is anticipated over the upcoming weekend, further complicating recovery efforts. “The damage is estimated at R2.5 billion, and we are currently at warning level 5, with an expectation that conditions may only begin to ease by Sunday or Monday,” she reported.
Highlighting the impact on communities, Nkadimeng noted that hundreds of families have already been evacuated due to the hazardous weather conditions. “Since December, over 400 families have been affected, and the Department of Human Settlements is on-site to initiate reconstruction efforts where possible,” she added.
In response to the crisis, Minister Nkadimeng assured that municipalities affected by the weather-related damage would soon receive financial support for repairs. “We have already allocated the necessary budget for municipalities to address the extensive damage and undertake essential renovations,” she confirmed.
The ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of weather-related disasters include not only immediate relief measures but also a focus on rebuilding and ensuring the affected communities can recover and reconstruct their lives. As KwaZulu-Natal braces for more rainfall, authorities are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact and provide necessary support to those affected by the recent natural disasters.