Date: 26/03/2003
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Van Schalkwyk: Requests to declare Montagu disaster area


WESTERN CAPE PREMIER, MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK, REQUESTS PRESIDENT MBEKI TO DECLARE MONTAGU DISASTER, 26 March 2003

Following a visit by a Ministerial delegation yesterday, and their feed-back, the Western Cape Minister for Finance, Minister Rasool and I, have this morning visited the areas hardest hit by the recent flood waters. On our return this afternoon the Provincial Cabinet discussed the issue. In light of the very serious destruction and suffering which has been caused by flooding in the Magisterial Districts of Swellendam, Montagu and Robertson, as well as the growing need for emergency support to the people of that region, I have today requested President Thabo Mbeki to declare a disaster in these districts in terms of the relevant national legislation.

I have also indicated to President Mbeki that the Western Cape Government would be greatly appreciative if the National Ministers for Provincial and Local Government and Social Development would be able to personally visit the affected areas to report back to the President and National Cabinet on the extent of the damage.

I have also requested the National Minister of Provincial and Local Government, Mr Mufamadi, to declare a state of disaster in these three Magisterial Districts in terms of the Civil Protection Act of 1977.

The Western Cape Cabinet has also appointed an ad hoc Cabinet Committee consisting of myself as Premier, and Ministers Rasool, Gelderblom, Essop and Dowry to further asses and quantify the damage - particularly as regards infrastructure, agriculture, local government capacity, and tourism, and also to formulate the most appropriate provincial response.

In addition to the damage which has struck buildings, essential services, roads and bridges, humanitarian aid in the form of emergency feeding and shelter is currently being provided to about 1000 people in these areas.

Should these applications be granted, they will provide short-term assistance in the form of additional authority for the Municipal Managers to requisition critical foodstuffs, material and manpower to assist with the immediate response. In the longer term such declarations will also provide access to national and provincial funds for the rebuilding and restoration of the damaged infrastructure.

We stand together today with the people of the Swellendam, Montagu and Robertson municipalities, as well as those affected in other areas of the Southern Cape, whose lives have been turned upside down by this natural disaster. They and their families will receive both our prayers and our swift material and other support.

Minister Rasool and I were accompanied today by Minister Dowry, the Western Cape Minister for Local Government who is also responsible for Disaster Management.

Enquiries: Riaan Aucamp on 083-778-9923
Issued by Western Cape Provincial Government
26 March 2003