KWAZULU-NATAL provincial government says it will need over R1.9 billion for disaster relief efforts, including restoring rail damages caused by the recent floods.
Zikalala updated the media on the province’s devastating floods on Sunday.
“Although government has reprioritized R1 billion towards disaster relief interventions, we need more than R1,9 billion to complete our work,” said Zikalala.
Zikalala said the construction of temporary residential units (TRUs) has started and going according to plan.
“Regarding Human Settlements, we wish to report that the construction of Residential Temporary Units has started. Constructors are on site in Ilembe District, Ugu and eThekwini – having started on Friday in line with the commitment we made,” said Zikalala.
“We finalizing the assessment of some sites in Durban in terms of their suitability for construction. We must hasten to point out that this is a moving target. We are updating this information as more information is collated through Operation Sukuma Sakhe structures and our Disaster Management centres.”
He said the government’s plan is to ensure that as from the end of the week, they have set up 4 396 temporary accommodation or TRUs.
“As we continue with the construction of TRUs, our focus is to accommodate more than 4 396 families that are accommodated in halls, churches, schools,” he said.
“We are encouraged by the support we are getting from the national government. An integrated approach involving three spheres of government is assisting to ensure speed and efficiency in the interventions.”
Zikalala said that as of Sunday, 17 438 households had been affected by the disaster and 121 687 people were affected. Sadly, 435 people lost their lives and to date 54 are still reported missing.
A total of 6 278 people are currently homeless and 55 people were injured as a result of this disaster.
He said the number of those who remain in shelters is 7245 people in eThekwini, 245 people in KwaDukuza shelters and the rest in Umzumbe Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni.
“While at the shelter residents receive mattresses, hot meals and vanity packs which are being provided by SASSA, DSD and NGOs,” said Zikalala.
The premier added that as they continued with mop-up operations, the cost of damage may be revised upwards or downwards.
“Overall, it is now estimated that the largest expenditure on rehabilitation will come from Prasa-related infrastructure which will amount to R940 348 500 00,” Zikalala said.
“This is a clear demonstration of the ferocious nature of these storms, and the work that remains ahead before we can restore our province back to the pre-floods period. As we conclude, in the hour of need our people have been pleased to discover that they are indeed not alone. We have seen our President Cyril Ramaphosa, our National Ministers and Deputy Ministers, the Faith-Based Community, Traditional Leaders, Business Leaders and all Political leaders descend on our shores to offer support.”
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