Garden Route pushes for disaster funding after severe storms
Authorities are seeking urgent support as rehabilitation efforts intensify following severe storm damage that has left widespread infrastructure and service disruptions across the region.
The Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC) is preparing funding requests to the Western Cape Cabinet and National Treasury to support rehabilitation efforts following the devastating storms that struck the district in May.
George Herald reports that according to a report tabled to the Garden Route District Council last Wednesday (May 27), the GRDMC has requested damage assessments from local municipalities, CapeNature, SANParks and various government departments. These assessments will form part of submissions for the reprioritisation of provincial funding and applications for disaster grant funding.
Once the submissions have been made, professional service providers appointed by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) will undertake a damage verification process.
The district was affected by two separate weather events. The cut-off low system that impacted the area between May 6 and 8 was declared a national disaster on May 9 after affecting several provinces. The NDMC also declared the second severe weather event, gale-force winds on May 11, a disaster after it caused extensive damage.
Rehabilitation and clean-up operations are continuing, with daily communication among authorities to maintain momentum. The GRDMC, affected local municipalities, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and Eskom are coordinating restoration efforts.
Current challenges
The report identifies delays in restoring Eskom power connections as a major challenge, with access routes to affected infrastructure remaining too wet in some areas. Continued power outages have also raised concerns about secondary food and waterborne illnesses, while cable theft is further hampering restoration efforts.
High river levels are restricting access to damaged Eskom lines and delaying road repairs. Flooded sewage pump stations have also resulted in pollution while repairs continue.
The tourism sector is feeling the impact of ongoing road closures, with the road to the Cango Caves still inaccessible. Meiringspoort, Seweweekspoort and the Swartberg Pass also remain closed.
Emergency medical services from the Western Cape continue to service medical emergencies in Misgund, Krakeel and Louterwater because the R62 at Joubertina remains closed.
Thousands of uprooted trees still need to be removed, while debris washed onto beaches, particularly at Witsand and Gouritz, must still be cleared.
Water supply to Knysna and Bitou also remains a challenge despite power having been restored to pumping systems at the Akkerkloof Dam.
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