Issued by: Office of the President
STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE ON THE SITUATION IN THE KAROO AND SOUTH CAPE
The President is concerned about the desperate situation in the Karoo and parts of the South Cape, following some of the worst floods the region has experienced.
The President appreciates the immediate assistance provided by many voluntary organisations, local authorities, the Western Cape Welfare Department, as well as the very many individuals who have given selfless help.
The President has noted the calls for parts of the Region to be declared disaster areas. Such a declaration may be the only measure capable of bringing relief on the scale required, and of repairing the infrastructure damaged in the last days. But it is necessary first to ensure that this is indeed the most effective way of bringing relief to the specific areas in need. The President is also conscious of the negative impact on the tourism industry and the region's economy that could result from creating a false perception that the entire region is in disaster.
The President is, therefore, awaiting a recommendation from the Welfare Department, advised by the Provincial Government of the Western Cape, on the best course of action. He will also be visiting the affected areas on Sunday, 1st December 1996, as part of an assessment of the extent of damage and loss.
28 November 1996