Western Cape Awaits Decision on Potential State of Disaster Following Damaging Floods

The Western Cape Government (WCG) is presently awaiting a conclusion from the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) regarding its application for a state of disaster status, following widespread damage caused by extensive flooding earlier this year. The application was made in August after the severe flooding wrecked havoc in the region in June.

Spokesperson for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell, Wouter Kriel, disclosed that the province expects response from the NDMC within the week. The NDMC after visiting the province, is expected to ascertain the full extent of the damages and decide on the legitimacy of the disaster declaration.

As reported by News24, once the costs have been determined, a letter of classification would be sent to the WCG, giving them authorization to publish the disaster declaration in the provincial gazette.

Following the flooding, a report drafted by Anton Bredell was presented to the cabinet, revealing damages amounting to a substantial R703.3 million. This sum reflects insured and uninsured damages, unnecessary expenditures linked with the flood, the possibility of redirecting existing budget funds and unfunded damages.

A declaration of disaster would allow the provincial government to solicit relief funds from the national treasury, as the damages far exceed the provincial budget.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning; Andricus van der Westhuizen, has urged the national government to accelerate the process.