Cape Town – Western Cape regions that were disaster-stricken will receive much needed aid as the National Treasury has allocated R290 million to the provincial government.
According to Local Government and Environmental Affairs MEC Anton Bredell, the relief fund will aid municipalities that experienced flood damages caused during the winter and summer of 2021.
The Garden Route District Municipality is expected to be allocated the lion’s share of the budget, and receive about R264m for projects including repairs to the 600mm main raw water pipeline from George to the water treatment works.
In Oudtshoorn, projects will be focussed on storm water and road repairs, mostly in informal settlements in the area.
The Overberg District Municipality will receive R15m, this will amongst others, go towards road works on the Hermitage Road and fixing of pipelines in Riversdale.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality will be allocated R10m for the rehabilitation of the Zwelethemba bridge which nearly collapsed during the July floods.
The bridge links the Zwelethemba township to the town of Worcester.
Three pump stations are also expected to be repaired.
Bredell said the provincial disaster management centre would be responsible for co-ordinating the projects, and detailed business plans were developed through this allocation.
“We are grateful for the allocation, and I want to thank my department for all the work and motivation that was needed to convince the National Treasury of our need in this regard.
“The projects are also focused on disaster resilience and future climate change challenges,” Bredell said.
Cape Times