R139 million allocated to KZN municipalities for disaster relief efforts

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has expressed his approval of the recent announcement from the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, regarding a substantial R139 million allocation dedicated to disaster relief efforts across KZN municipalities.

This initiative marks a crucial step towards supporting the communities devastated by calamities that have inflicted billions of rands worth of damage throughout the province.

This financial boost, aimed at disaster response and recovery, will play a vital role in enhancing infrastructure, allowing municipalities to install new disaster mitigation measures, and improve essential services that include roads and water and sanitation facilities.

The allocation not only signifies the national government’s unwavering commitment to the restoration and rehabilitation of affected areas but also highlights the collaborative spirit needed to rebuild communities.

In total, a variety of municipalities will benefit from this grant, with the allocations specifically detailed as follows:

• Umzumbe Local Municipality: R730,135
• Big Five Hlabisa Local Municipality: R13,500,000
• Umsinga Local Municipality: R7,000,000
• uMvoti Local Municipality: R5,000,000
• Mthonjaneni Local Municipality: R8,000,000
• Ulundi Local Municipality: R6,200,000
• Nquthu Local Municipality: R9,300,000
• eDumbe Local Municipality: R10,000,000
• Abaqulusi Local Municipality: R12,000,000
• uThukela District Municipality: R7,000,000
• Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality: R11,000,000
• eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: R9,000,000
• Newcastle Local Municipality: R11,000,000
• Zululand District Municipality: R13,000,000
• Mandeni Local Municipality: R5,000,000
• eNdumeni Local Municipality: R4,300,000
• Mfolozi Local Municipality: R7,000,000

Reverend Buthelezi has affirmed his firm commitment to ensuring the effective monitoring and oversight of these funds, which are imperative for the intended recovery and resilience-building in local communities. By exercising rigorous oversight, the MEC aims to guarantee that the allocations serve their fundamental purpose of revitalising the municipalities and aiding in a sustainable recovery process.

IOL