Durban storm damage stands at R576m

STORM damage from the mega storm that hit Durban earlier this month stands at R576 million, and counting.

This is what it will cost various city departments to repair city infrastructure, according to a report tabled at this week’s full council meeting.

There are also calls for eThekwini Municipality to be declared a disaster zone.

An evaluation of all flood prone areas in the city will also be conducted as a matter of urgency.

Engineering-related repairs will cost R308m; Human Settlements requires R250m; Disaster Management and Emergency Control R4.1m; Parks and Recreation R7.7m; Cleansing and Solid Waste R1.3m; Electricity R2.6m; and Water and Sanitation R2.3m.

Infrastructure in the Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Department that was damaged include 20 libraries, 23 pools, 21 halls, three parks, one heritage site, three museums and four sports facilities.

Regarding roads and storm water, there were 1081 reports of landslides, damaged roads, potholes, missing manhole covers as well as roads washing away and closures.

Regarding Human Settlements damage, the report said the initial assessment of houses was 954 for informal dwellings; 1770 Breaking New Ground units; 557 retaining walls; 418 temporary facilities; and 489 damaged roofs.

The report said 60 wards were affected with 3112 households impacted.

The majority, 2 425 households, were in the south of the city.

The report also requested that eThekwini Municipality be declared a disaster zone.

The report also listed 13 confirmed fatalities as a result of the storm. Burial assistance has been given to all the families through the Office of the Mayor, including a mass memorial service held for the victims at City Hall on October 19. The approval of the report grants authority to various units to start planning and rehabilitating infrastructure on a short and long-term basis.

Acting Deputy City Manager for Community and Emergency Services Martin Xaba said it was crucial for various departments to start the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure. – Staff Reporter