The DA notes the decision by National CoGTA Minister, Themba Nkadibeng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) CoGTA MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, to declare yet another state of disaster in the province following recent severe weather conditions.

While the DA welcomes support in any form to alleviate the ongoing suffering of KZN’s communities, the reality is that our province’s biggest disaster remains that it is run by an ANC government.

History also shows that declaring a state of disaster in KZN does not mean that help is on the way. Following the 2022 floods, President Cyril Ramaphosa promised a large amount of money to assist residents - only for Treasury to later admit that the relief funding would in fact be a lot less.

To date, this funding remains largely unspent, particularly in the failed eThekwini metro, where evidence of the damage remains almost two years later.

The reality is that the people of KZN cannot rely on poorly-run local municipalities and an incompetent Taliban faction ANC provincial government to effectively spend any disaster funds allocated.

The DA will insist that national and provincial government play a far more active role in ensuring that any new funding is spent where it is supposed to be and that help is given where it is most needed.

Equally critical is that funding is spent in preparation for the severe weather patterns that KZN has now become accustomed to. This means ensuring proper maintenance of storm water drains, clearing and maintaining riverbeds and ensuring active engagement with those living on or near flood plains to limit the impact of heavy rains and wind.

There is no denying that our province and its people have been battered over the past few years. But they are resilient and they also know that they have the power to install a new, caring and proactive government – one that will rescue KZN - when they go to the ballot box later this year.

 

Issued by Martin Meyer, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on CoGTA