Storm damage escalates to R215m from R77m estimate

THE cost of the damage caused by the recent storm in the Mthatha area which resulted in several deaths and destruction to property and infrastructure, has risen to R215-million.

This is almost triple the amount initially reported.

Earlier this week, the Daily Dispatch reported that King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality executive mayor Dumani Zozo said a preliminary report indicated the damage had been estimated at R77-million.

At a press briefing yesterday, O R Tambo district municipality executive mayor Nomakhosazana Meth said the damage was estimated at just more than R215-million.

Meth said this was according to reports received so far from the KSD and Mhlontlo local municipalities.

She said this figure included damage to 15 schools, where the estimated cost of repairs was R12-million, while the department of human settlements estimated the damage to property at R192-million.

Meth said social relief assistance coordinated by the district municipality included the issuing of blankets, stoves, food parcels, temporary shelters, tents, rendering of health and psychological services and the temporary reconnection of basic services.

“Three thousand food parcels have been distributed to severely affected families with 500 stoves and 500 5l [containers] of paraffin to cook food, where electricity has been disrupted. A total of 1 310 blankets have been distributed to keep warm the homeless families who have since been moved to tents and housed by neighbours and 244 mattresses have been availed to give relative comfort,” said Meth.

Also, 40 tents accommodating two to three families each were erected and 40 temporary structures were being deployed, Meth said.

Last week, Qweqwe residents blockaded the N2, claiming authorities were slow in addressing damage caused by the storm, particularly the restoration of electricity.

Meth said electricity had been restored to most parts and the last two villages – Qweqwe and Payne – would be fully restored by January 17. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za