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The preliminary cost of repairing public buildings under the custodianship of the National Department of Public Works  damaged in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng during recent storms and flooding is estimated at over R16 million, Public Works Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko declared on Monday.

“While the final cost is being quantified to inform the final assessment, repairs at some of the 30 properties in KwaZulu-Natal, i.e. 17 state owned facilities occupied by South African Police Service, Departments of Labour, Justice and Defence  as well as 13 leased facilities has commenced.,” highlighted Minister Nhleko.

Nhleko confirmed that repairs to South Gauteng High Court and Krugersdorp Home Affairs in Gauteng which were minimum have already been attended to.

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.

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

He said that the MINMEC meeting held on Friday had noted progress and the leadership provided by Premiers of Kwa Zulu-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,” added Nhleko.  

Issued by Department of Public Works