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Respite from heavy rain an opportunity to count the cost

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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk described the prediction of light rain during the day as an opportunity to count the cost of the disaster.

“The impact of the heavy rain over the weekend caused destruction of our road infrastructure and bridges, especially in the Kariega area, where we have been hit the hardest.

“Our Infrastructure and Engineering, Roads and Transport, Human Settlements, Electricity and Energy and Safety and Security Directorates are now compiling a comprehensive report of the damages.

“As soon as we have that report, we will have a much better idea of the financial losses we suffered.

“In addition, the cost of the reinstatement of services and infrastructure will also be calculated at the same time.

“This will also form the basis for an application to national government for disaster relief and motivate for the declaration of a disaster.

“Meanwhile, we have been overwhelmed by the outpour of support from external stakeholders. Donations are streaming in from the public for the displaced residents.

“The national and provincial departments of Human Settlements joined our disaster response efforts to ensure that residents, affected by the floods, are assisted.

“They are now poring over assessment reports by our Human Settlements officials to determine what specific resources will be required by the municipality to effectively assist those afflicted.

“The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) also offered their assistance and will be considering applications for financial relief and warm meals at the centres where the evacuated are housed.

“The Gift of the Givers are also amplifying our relief efforts by providing warm meals and managing a donation drive from the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.

“I am confident that all the collaborative efforts will play an important part in ensuring that we cover all areas in our disaster management response,” Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk said.

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NMB Communications

Media Communications at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Communications Department is responsible for communicating pertinent Municipal news from Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch. Municipality Contact Details. See more articles by NMB Communication's.