The Western Cape cabinet has allocated R75m to deal with the consequences of the Knysna fires, damages caused by the recent storm, and drought relief.
News24 reported that according to the Office of the Premier, the decision was made following a meeting in Knysna on Wednesday.
“The allocation was made in terms of section 25 of the Public Finance Management Act, which enables Finance MEC Ivan Meyer to authorise the use of funds from the Provincial Revenue Fund in exceptional circumstances.”
“The majority of the funds would go toward repairing schools and hospitals, road-related infrastructural damage, emergency humanitarian support, disaster management co-ordination, and drought assistance.”
In a statement, Michael Mpofu, spokesperson for provincial Premier Helen Zille, said the Western Cape Cabinet made the decision at a meeting in Knysna earlier on Wednesday.
“Ongoing assistance will also be provided to the respective municipalities worst affected by the current drought, which resulted in a recent disaster classification.”
Zille said: “Our government is committed to working with the local authorities to rebuild the lives of residents who have suffered great loss. This initial allocation of R75 million is a first step in this process. We will continually reassess the needs and priorities going forward.”
The statement also recognised the contributions from the private sector, with Finance MEC Ivan Meyer saying: “The four major banks have made pledges, and DHL has so far delivered an enormous 284 tonnes of aid to Knysna. Generous support has also been provided by Pick n Pay, Spur, Clicks, Vodacom, Cell C and other corporates.”
The provincial government had also approached the National Disaster Management centre and National Treasury to access further funding, the premier’s office said.
Zille and provincial cabinet ministers will be conducting site visits along the Garden Route on Wednesday to assess relief efforts. Deputy Police Minister Bongani Mkongi is also scheduled to be in Knysna to meet with Deputy Mayor Peter Meyers.
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