The recent spate of bad weather has again left its mark on our province and I am visiting the affected region with my colleague, Mr Gerrit van Rensburg, MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, to see first-hand the scope of the damages caused. We will be meeting officials and stakeholders in Herbertsdale at 11h00 in the Agricultural Hall in the town.
The Western Cape experienced heavy rain which resulted in flooding from 7 to 9 June 2011 over the Overberg, Cape Winelands, Eden and Central Karoo districts. This extreme weather was caused by a cut-off low system which resulted in extreme intense rainfall episodes causing widespread flooding over most parts of the Western Cape, which led to significant damage to private properties, municipal infrastructure, agriculture, housing and roads infrastructure.
The Department of Water Affairs confirmed that although the duration of the flood was short in comparison to previous flooding episodes, the intensity of the flood was extremely high as flood studies indicate that the event could be regarded as a 1:50 year flood which could have resulted in immense damage to property and infrastructure given the fact that buildings are built even in the 1:10 year flood line.
A preliminary damage impact assessment meeting was held in George on 29 June 2011 to assess the extent of the damages and losses incurred by the affected districts, local municipalities, provincial and national departments, and state-owned enterprises. A disaster or a significant event/incident can also be seen as an opportunity that will allow for development as well as innovative ideas for sustainable development and resilient communities. It also allows for mitigation and risk reduction measures to be included in rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical infrastructure.
Although the intensity of the recent flood was more severe than the August 2006 and November 2007 flooding incidents, the damages to the infrastructure was minimal, which solidifies the fact that the rehabilitation and reconstruction that was conducted following previous floods stood up to the effect and impact of the recent floods.
The mitigation/risk reduction projects which were highlighted following the flood incident of 7 to 9 June 2011 is the flood hazard posed by the Kingna, Keisie and Cogmanskloof Rivers in Montagu as well as the fact that the Power Town community always need to be evacuated when exposed to significant weather events.
The total preliminary losses and damages as reported by state-owned enterprises, national and provincial departments, as well as municipalities, amounts to R579 660 369, with a preliminary financial shortfall of R379 780 369.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre will facilitate the recovery process with the relevant stakeholders. The preliminary assessment process will be followed by a verification process. The final verified figures will then be presented to Cabinet, Treasury and the National Disaster Management Centre for financial consideration. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre will further facilitate the request for disaster declarations and will assist with the recovery process.
Enquiries:
Colin Deiner
Tel: 021 937 0800
Peter Pullen
Cell: 082 574 3773
