The cost to repair infrastructure is estimated at R445.7 million.(SABC)
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Five municipalities in the Ehlanzeni District of Mpumalanga - Mbombela, Nkomazi, Umjindi, Thaba Chweu, and Bushbuckridge -
have been declared disaster areas.
Traditional affairs spokesperson Simphiwe Kunene says Premier David Mabuza made the declaration after 1 452 households were damaged by storms and flooding between January 16 and January 19. Of these, about 330 households were severely affected, 130 in Bushbuckridge, 74 in Nkomazi, 59 in Mbombela, 40 in Umjindi, and 27 in Thaba Chweu.
Kunene says his department was helped by the department of Social Development and Ehlanzeni District Municipality to provide food, blankets, and shelter to those affected.
Seven deaths were recorded in the province during the flooding
Seven deaths were recorded in the province during the flooding. Major infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools and agriculture installations were also damaged in the extreme weather.
The cost to repair infrastructure was estimated at R445.7 million. Rebuilding roads and bridges would be the most expensive at an estimated cost of R266 million.
The provincial government provided just over R36 million in the short-term and the municipalities contributed R25.7 million towards rebuilding. Kunene says following the declaration, Mabuza will engage with national government for the balance.
