FLOODS: Ramaphosa declares national state of disaster, R1 billion made available immediately for rebuild

In the aftermath of the heavy rains that lashed many parts of KwaZulu-Natal from April 8 to 13, President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a National State of Disaster. He addressed the nation tonight (April 18) at a few minutes after 21:00.

President Ramaphosa said R1 billion had been made immediately available and that Parliament would be approached for more funding, which in all likelihood will be required. “Learning from the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are drawing together various stakeholders to be part of an oversight structure to ensure all funds disbursed to respond to this disaster are properly accounted for and that the state receives value for money.”

Government’s response to catastrophic #floods which have devastated parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape
https://t.co/gcNUOPPljg

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) April 18, 2022

All parts of the province were affected by the rainfall, with the entire Ethekwini metro and the districts of iLembe, Ugu, King Cetshwayo and uMgungundlovu being most affected. Heavy rainfall and flooding have also been experienced in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the districts of Alfred Nzo, Joe Gqabi and OR Tambo, where roads, bridges and houses have been extensively damaged, especially in the Port St Johns’ area.

In recapping, he said:

• 433 people have died and a further 48 reported missing, in KZN;  1 death in the Eastern Cape
• 40 000 people have been displaced
• Billions of rands will be needed to restore and rebuild
• Homes, schools, bridges, roads, buildings and businesses have been destroyed and/or damaged in various places.

The Port of Durban’s shipping terminal was mentioned as a vital priority and urgently in need of attention as it had a massive knock-on effect to many other areas further inland in the country.

Furthermore, Ramaphosa prioritised:

• Restoring those hurt or injured
• Rehousing those displaced
• Rebuilding major infrastructure, homes and businesses.

He expressed condolences to families of those who had lost loved ones, saying he had visited certain families, with other prominent leaders. “We heard heart-rending stories of people being swept away, including children and the elderly, and of homes crumbling. Particularly devastating was to hear about a family of 10 being wiped out. There are few words one can find to ease the pain and bring comfort in times like these,” he said.

The president said South Africa was a nation united in grief and pain and that government was determined to assist those in need with food, water and shelter. He thanked those involved in the relief efforts, including Gift of the Givers and the Solidarity Fund, as well as religious organisations.

The Solidarity Fund, which was established during the Covid-19 pandemic will now create a separate bank account for donations toward the flooding relief project.

Ramaphosa said the full extent of the costs of damage had not yet been fully determined but would run into billions. He said government would work undeterred to restore water, electricity, sanitation and waste removal in areas which urgently needed them. He did caution, however, that certain areas would be need to be patient as severe damage and accessibility made repair work difficult.

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