The recent storms and tornadoes that ravaged KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have caused extensive damage, with the total cost now estimated at R1.3 billion.
The severe weather, which struck last Tuesday, has impacted more than 7000 households and claimed 12 lives.
The eThekwini Metro has been particularly hard hit, with damages exceeding R480 million.
The Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Thembi Nkadimeng, visited KZN to oversee relief and recovery efforts, focusing on uThongathi, the worst-affected area.
She was accompanied by MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi and the speaker of eThekwini, Thabani Nyawose.
Ms Nkadimeng stated that the storms in both the Eastern Cape and KZN have been declared national disasters. KZN was given a provincial disaster status two days after the tornadoes struck. “This was to allow them to access the funds needed to begin with the repairs while assessments were taking place,” she said.
Cogta’s on-going assessments reveal that more than 7000 households have been affected. “About 20 schools were severely damaged, along with roads, bridges, and community halls. Electricity infrastructure has also been impacted,” the department reported.
On Wednesday, the National Department of Human Settlements delivered the first batch of building materials to aid approximately 674 households in eMagwaveni, oThongathi. “Donors and NGOs started delivering materials on Tuesday to many other families,” said Cogta spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi.
To date, more than 3400 assessments have been processed for Social Relief of Distress food vouchers. Additionally, over 2 000 hot meals have been provided daily since July 4, according to Mr Mngadi.