KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements and Public Works MEC Jomo Sibiya on Friday revealed that his department will be spending over R2-billion following the floods that claimed more that 400 lives.

Sibiya released a progress report to provide an update on the floods experienced in the province, their impact and interventions required.

National government declared a national disaster following floods that ravaged KwaZulu-Natal as well as the fires that destroyed many homes in the Eastern Cape.

A rescue mission is still ongoing as many are still missing.

Sibiya outlined in  the report that settlements located close to rivers and waterways were severely impacted while some dwellings were swept away.

Informal settlements were amongst the most affected, especially those located in poor terrain.

The rains had devastating effects leading to damage to houses, roads and other infrastructure.

Ten districts were affected, but the initial assessments indicate that eThekwini metro is the most affected area.

Sibiya’s report reveals that his department will be responding to households with partially damaged homes, households with totally damaged homes, displaced families and households living is disaster prone areas amongst others.

R307 455 002 has been allocated for temporary accommodation while R625 675 116 has been allocated to replace houses.

R4 400 000 will assist in repairing flats and hostels.

There are 8 310 partially destroyed homes, 14 449 affected households and 4 478 homeless households.

A financial pledge of R100-million, which was earmarked as Covid-19 relief funds, is awaiting approval by National Treasury to assist with social housing.

Free State Human Settlements has offered town planning professionals to assist in KZN.

The National Homebuilders Registration Council has pledged to deploy engineers to do structural assessments and digitise a monitoring and implementation tool.

Report Attached