Provincial Government statement

Cabinet Statement On the recent disasters Media Statement

The cabinet seating of the 25th of June 2008 received a comprehensive report on the recent disasters which have devastated the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal i.e. eThekwini Metro, Ugu District Municipalities. Having noted the contents of the report, cabinet resolves the following: 1. That the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal together with cabinet have endorsed the cabinet memo recommendation that the eThekwini and Ugu areas be declared provincial disaster areas. 2. That approximately, R3, 6 billion has to be sourced to address the challenges as outlined which included but not limited to road infrastructure rehabilitation, temporary housing provision to the displaced victims of the disasters, ongoing food supply, rehabilitation of public facilities including schools, clinics and agricultural facilities and plantations. 3. That Cabinet represented by the Dr Zweli Mkhize MEC for Finance and Economic Development and Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu MEC for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs will initiate an engagement process with the National Minister for Finance, Mr Trevor Manuel to harness additional financial resources needed. 4. That the premier will send written communication to the Presidency outlining the magnitude of the disaster and the provincial resolution in this regard. 5. That Cabinet calls on business, faith based organisations and other stakeholders irrespective of their party political affiliations, preferences and alliances to support disaster relief efforts through the joint operational structure established and coordinated by the province. 6. That in order to assist national and provincial government to anticipate possible future financial implications of such disasters, the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs and the Disaster Management Cluster will submit a report containing analysis of the annual cost of the past climate related disasters. Issued by the provincial cabinet: Authorised by the premier of KwaZulu-Natal Dr SJ Ndebele.