Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba says preliminary assessments indicate that the province may require close to R10b for comprehensive recovery efforts following the recent floods.

The provincial government has allocated R800m towards recovery while it awaits a response from the National Disaster Management Centre.

Speaking in Polokwane on Thursday during a media briefing, the premier said provincial government, in collaboration with the disaster management teams and relevant stakeholders, is actively assessing and responding to the needs of affected communities.

“Our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of residents, which involves ongoing damage assessments, relief interventions and urgent restoration of essential services,” Ramathuba said.

Over the past weeks, members of the Executive Council have visited several flood-affected areas.

“Just yesterday, we were in Blouberg, Old Longsine and Inveran, where the #DikgerekgereWednesdays team began the process of restoring access to the road and regravelling parts that were not accessible.

“While there, we also mourned the loss of five lives. Many households have been displaced. The crisis extends to critical infrastructure. For instance, the R521 highway from Polokwane to Mogwadi (Dendron) reflects the severe impact of the rains, riddled with hazardous potholes,” Ramathuba said.

Consequently, the provincial government is actively engaging with the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) to expedite repairs on this road and other critical routes to ensure the safety of communities.

The premier said Limpopo requires a comprehensive overhaul to restore normalcy to residents’ lives.

“We welcome the national declaration of these floods as a disaster, which has enabled access to much-needed assistance from the national departments. Many have already initiated processes to support our recovery efforts,” the premier said.

Since December, the province has experienced tragic losses, with 27 fatalities reported thus far, alongside approximately 3 194 houses affected and around 439 roads rendered unusable, measuring an estimated 600km.

“We remain hopeful that we will successfully rebuild Limpopo from this disaster with the resources we are beginning to mobilise while we await further intervention from the National Disaster Management Centre,” Ramathuba said.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the flood-stricken parts of the province to assess the extent of the damage. – SAnews.gov.za

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