13 JUNE 2000
An innovative Presidential pilot housing project is being launched today as part of the flood and reconstruction efforts being co-ordinated by the Flood Reconstruction Command Centre.
The temporary houses are being built on the grounds of Leeukop Prison. Once the pilot houses are completed, the project will be replicated in the areas where houses are needed to replace the ones damaged by the floods.
To enable the Centre to provide prompt implementation of relief priorities identified by provinces, Cabinet has approved the amount of R577 million to be used for flood reconstruction.
R4 million has been allocated to Gauteng, for reconstruction in the Northern Province the amount of R 93 million was allocated; Eastern Cape, R40 million; Mpumalanga, R91 million; and Kwa-Zulu Natal province an amount of R76 million.
These provinces have been earmarked as priorities since they were the ones most affected during the floods. Individual provinces are also making their own efforts at reconstruction and providing relief measures to communities and families left homeless after the disaster. They have also formed their own provincial Command Centres.
Government is working with parastatals and Non Governmental Organisations.
Provinces are in a process of handing in their business plans for the reconstruction process to the Command Centre as a basis for the transfer of funds.
Due to the urgency of the reconstruction process, the Centre has made a request to the Tender Board to put in place a system to waive the normal tendering procedures, without undermining the rules and regulations for fund allocation.
The flood reconstruction initiative falls within the framework of government's broader and longer-term programme of reconstruction and development, as well as providing basic immediate needs such as shelter and water to families affected by the floods.
The South African National Defence Force has donated second hand clothes, which were withdrawn them from an auction. SANDF members have also donated personal clothing. The clothes will be taken to the most affected Provinces, namely the Northern Province and Free State Province.
Organisations such as the Red Cross have donated blankets to the affected families. The CSIR is assisting the Command Centre with technology and resources to make the reconstruction process easier and faster.
Issued by Government Communication (GCIS) on behalf of the Flood Reconstruction Command Centre