Image Source: AP News
Local – The Government has committed R1.2 billion to help municipalities recover from the floods and snowfall that struck several provinces earlier this year. The funding will be released in phases, with the most significant portion allocated to the Eastern Cape, the province hardest hit by the June disaster.
Infrastructure worth an estimated R6.3 billion was damaged or destroyed. Roads collapsed, homes were swept away, and public facilities were left inoperable.
Emergency services were overwhelmed as communities across KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and the Eastern Cape bore the brunt of the storm.
The human cost was equally severe. Nationally, 107 people lost their lives. Of those, 103 were from the Eastern Cape. The O.R. Tambo District alone recorded 79 deaths. Ten people died in Amathole, while Chris Hani and Alfred Nzo districts each reported five deaths.
Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman recorded two deaths apiece. KwaZulu-Natal reported three deaths, and one was recorded in the Western Cape.
“Government urges communities in affected areas to remain alert and follow early warning advisories issued by the South African Weather Service, as a critical measure to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods,” said Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa.
Eastern Cape to Receives the Largest Share
The Eastern Cape will receive an initial R50 million before the end of July, followed by a further R504 million in August. The O.R. Tambo District will receive R30 million, and the Amathole District will receive R20 million, to support rebuilding efforts.
Funds will be distributed in three stages: a R151.3 million provincial response grant on 11 July, R395 million in municipal response grants on 18 July, and a final R708.9 million disbursement on 28 August.
Municipalities have been urged to prepare in advance to avoid delays. The Minister told them to activate their project processes now that funding has been confirmed. He also made it clear that future disbursements will depend on accountability and proper reporting.
Municipalities that received funding in the past must provide complete records of how it was used. Failure to do so, he warned, would carry consequences.
“If there is no accountability, money will not be released. It will be as simple as that.”
