Issued by: Constitutional Development
STATEMENT BY MINISTER MV MOOSA ON THE VISIT TO UMTATA TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE RECENT TORNADO
A team headed by Directors-General Cassim Gassiep (State Expenditure) and Zam Titus (Constitutional Development) met Provincial and Local Government officials and members of the community in Umtata yesterday for purposes of assessing progress made in attending to the damage caused by the tornado which struck the town last week. The main purpose of the meeting was to ensure that the activities of the three spheres of Government are properly coordinated, to formulate an action plan and to focus on the various funding options which are available.
The meeting laid a solid foundation for the handling of the disaster. Since the meeting focussed more on planning, no finite decisions have been taken on financial assistance. Such decisions will be based on a proper financial plan which is being drafted. A pro-forma form is being utilised for assessment purposes. This form will facilitate decision-making and the identification of needs and priorities. Detailed reports are also being prepared on various issues.
Seven national departments will visit the city of Umtata tomorrow. The action plans formulated so far will be further refined after the meeting. Details of the cost and extent of the damage caused, financial assistance required and the final action plan will be available next week.
Good progress has been made and I wish to thank all concerned for the hard work. National Government remains committed to providing all the required assistance.
I wish all the citizens of Umtata well during the festive season.
Issued by the Ministry for Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development on 22 December 1998.
Enquiries: Zam Titus at 082 550 4950