eThekwini storm damage repair cost estimated to be over R576 million.

THE Executive Committee approved a report at a meeting on 23 October outlining the ongoing assessments following a storm experienced in the City on 10 October, as well as the cost across the departments to repair the damaged infrastructure.

The report stated that the estimated cost to repair infrastructure damaged during the storm is over R576 million.

Engineering related repairs will cost R308 million, Human Settlements requires R250 million, Disaster Management and Emergency Control R4.1 million, Parks and Recreations R7.7 million, Cleansing and Solid Waste R1.3 million, Electricity R2.6 million and Water and Sanitation R2.3 million.

The reporting of incidents from councillors and the community is ongoing with more incidents being reported, hence the assessment process continuing.

A total of 60 wards were affected with 3 112 households impacted. The majority of which, 2 425 households, were in the South of the City.

The report also listed the casualties as a result of the storm of which there were 13 confirmed fatalities.

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

The type of damage includes trees falling on the infrastructure, flooding and roofs blowing away.

Regarding roads and storm water, there were 1 081 faults received including landslides, damaged roads, potholes, missing manhole covers as well as the road washing away and closures.

The Architecture Unit together with Coastal and Storm Catchment consolidated a list of all affected council infrastructure to a total of     R308 106 350.

Regarding Human Settlements damage, the report stated the initial assessment of houses in the following areas were 954 informal dwellings, 1 770 Breaking New Ground units, 557 retaining walls, 418 temporary facilities and 489 damaged roofs.

The estimated cost to repair the damaged infrastructure is over R250 million.

Departments will report to the City Manager, Sipho Nzuza and the Executive Committee once the assessment process is concluded.