R17 billion needed for flood relief
Government applied for the relief funding after the recent floods.
The KwaZulu-Natal government recently applied for R17 billion funding through the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) for immediate as well as medium to long-term relief following the recent floods.
This was revealed by KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala on Tuesday when he was giving an update on the response to the flood disaster in the province.
He said the NDMC acknowledged their application on May 18.
He said the total required for implementing Municipal Infrastructure repairs is estimated as R12 655 666 492 whilst the Sector Departments are estimated as R5 156 725 478.
He added that in regard to the total amount required for the post-disaster recovery in the whole province is estimated at R17 812 391 970.
“It was also indicated to the Ad Hoc Committee that the province was advised that projects not addressed from the response and emergency grants could be addressed through the following options. The reconstruction and rehabilitation to be facilitated through the budget adjustment process in October. Reallocation of funds from existing grants through the MTEF budget period; and through risk transfer measures by claiming from insurance. We have no intention of dragging this matter any further in the public domain, however, it is incumbent upon us to set the record straight by stating the facts as they are,” said Zikalala.
He added that the Human Settlements Department has identified projects worth R2 127 542 632 as necessary to return the displaced back to normal lives.
Zikalala said the Department reprioritised R515 975 906 from its own allocated funds, saying that this however means that the province requires an additional R1 611 566 726 in order to complete the process of rehousing all the identified communities that are currently staying in Mass Care Centres.
“We stand here on this land which carries the hopes of thousands who very soon will call this home. Home is where the dreams of a family are realised in the comfort and a safe company of loved ones. This is what this project means as it will bring decent shelter, but also dignity to the families currently housed at Truro Hall. Like many, they too will soon return to a house that they will call home and which will become an available asset in their hand,” said Zikalala.
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