EC govt faces funding shortfall for families displaced by floods

The Eastern Cape Human Settlements Department says while R461 million is required for temporary residential units to house flood victims, it says it only has R120 million.

The Eastern Cape Human Settlements Department said that while R461 million is required for temporary residential units to house flood victims, it only has R120 million.

The number of units required is 4,724 across six municipalities.

The deadly floods that started in June claimed the lives of at least 103 people and left thousands more homeless.

The provincial government held a media briefing in Mthatha to update on disaster response and recovery operations.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department MEC Zolile Williams said, “The Department of Human Settlements stands ready to start the erection of TRUs; however, we have experienced delays due to community resistance to accommodate victims of floods in both municipalities despite social facilitation efforts.”