R75m aid for Cape disasters
The Western Cape government has earmarked R75 million for rebuilding fire-ravaged Knysna, as well as other areas damaged by last week’s Cape storms.
In a statement, Michael Mpofu, spokesperson for Premier Helen Zille, pictured, said the Western Cape Cabinet made the decision at a meeting in Knysna yesterday.
“Ongoing assistance will also be provided to the respective municipalities worst-affected by the current drought, which resulted in a recent disaster classification.”
Zille said: “Our government is committed to working with the local authorities to rebuild the lives of residents who have suffered great loss. This initial allocation of R75 million is a first step in this process. We will continually reassess the needs and priorities going forward.”
The statement also recognised the contributions from the private sector, with finance MEC Ivan Meyer saying: “The four major banks have made pledges, and DHL has so far delivered an enormous 284 tons of aid to Knysna. Support has also been provided by Pick n Pay, Spur, Clicks, Vodacom, Cell C and other corporates.”
The province has also turned to the National Disaster Management Centre and National Treasury for further funding. Mpofu said it would be used as follows:
Transport and public works: R5 million to deal with road-related infrastructure damages and R800 000 for the transport cost of the emergency evacuations;
R15 million for school infrastructure as a result of adverse weather conditions and fires;
R1.2 million for health infrastructure as a result of the storm and the fire.
In addition, R15 million to support the department to deal with the cost associated with the Swartland Hospital, particularly for prefabricated units, replacement linen and technology;
Human settlements: R7.5 million to deal with the displacement of people due to adverse weather and fires in the City of Cape Town and fires in the Eden district, with the focus on the rural areas;
R5 million for the department of social development for emergency humanitarian support and related expenditure;
The department of local government: R15 million for disaster management coordination, drought assistance and key related infrastructure requirements;
Agriculture: R5.5 million as a funding intervention to mitigate the impact of disasters on the agricultural sector at large. – ANA