Several flood-stricken parts of KwaZulu-Natal have been classified disaster areas by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng.
The move will enable government to access additional funding from provincial and national departments to start repairs as soon as possible.
According to the SABC, the disaster areas include Ilembe, Ugu and UMzinyathi municipalities and the hardest-hit eThekwini Metro and uThukela District, which suffered about R2 billion worth of damage.
“Nkadimeng says the classification is done while processing for the declaration is underway,” the public broadcaster explained.
Heavy rains have ravaged KwaZulu-Natal since mid-December, spilling over to the new year.
Ladysmith, which falls under UThukela District, has recorded 26 fatalities due to inclement weather during the festive season.
Meanwhile, the Minister also emphasised the need to find a lasting solution for the flooding of the Ladysmith Central Business District…