The National Department of Public Works has set aside approximately R16 million to repair buildings that were damaged by violent storms that lashed KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg recently.

While the final cost is still being quantified to inform the final assessment, the department has started with repair works at 30 properties in KwaZulu-Natal, including 17 state owned facilities occupied by the South African Police Service, Departments of Labour, Justice and Defence as well as 13 leased facilities.

Repairs to the South Gauteng High Court and Krugersdorp Home Affairs in Gauteng were minimal and have already been attended to, according to Nkosinathi Nhleko, Minister of Public Works, repairs.

He said that contractors are expected to be on site by the end of this week at all remaining sites after emergency procurement procedures and appointment of contractors have been finalised.

Mobilising resources

Nhleko has committed to mobilise resources to assist the affected provinces wherever possible.

He said that the Ministers and Members of Executive Councils Meeting (MINMEC) held on Friday noted progress and the leadership provided by Premiers of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Gauteng and expressed confidence that interventions aimed at mitigating the effect of the damage will minimise disruption to services.

“MINMEC expressed condolences to families that lost their loved ones during the disaster and appreciation of the commitment of officials who were part of rescue operations, disaster relief efforts and technical assessment teams. The heroic action of ordinary citizens and humanitarian organisations has demonstrated Ubuntu,” Minister Nhleko said.