The province of KwaZulu-Natal has been left having to pick up the pieces following the devasting floods that wreaked havoc this month, but it has now been revealed that it may cost the taxpayer R1 trillion to help pick up those pieces by restoring infrastructure.
Described as the “the greatest disaster” to hit South Africa, according to KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala, the greatest damage to befall the province has been to the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) infrastructure, which comes to over R940 billion, as per Times Live.
On Sunday, 24 April, the premier provided an update on the response following the floods, indicating that in addition to transport-related costs, human settlement damages came to about R2.6 billion; education-related repairs will cost nearly R442 million, and health costs will amount to R183 million.
Zikalala noted that they were still finalising the assessment of a number of sites in Durban in terms of their suitability for construction, as per IOL.
Thousands have been displaced due to the floods.
“As we continue with the construction of TRUs, our focus is to accommodate more than 4 396 families that are accommodated in halls, churches, schools,” Zikalala said.
While many find themselves in shelters, neighbours and family have come to the rescue with the premier acknowledging this kindness.
“We are encouraged by the support we are getting from the national government. An integrated approach involving three spheres of government is assisting to ensure speed and efficiency in the interventions.”
“Although the government has reprioritised R1bn towards disaster relief interventions, we need more than R1.9bn to complete our work,” he continued.
According to the premier, as they continue with mop-up operations, the cost of the damage will continue to be reviewed and revised upwards and downwards.
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