The Western Cape Government is considering declaring a state of disaster as severe weather continues to impact the province.
Also read: WC roads closed as severe weather continues to cause damage
Premier Alan Winde said, ‘We will look at declaring a state of disaster, but we’re currently managing the crisis. We need to assess the situation first.’
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The suggestion for a state of disaster came after the ANC in the province wrote to Winde, requesting this action.
Winde emphasised that the province must estimate the damages and costs before going through the national processes required for declaring a state of disaster if needed.
‘This is a frequent consideration for us, and it’s on my mind,’ Winde added.
‘We discussed it in the Digicon yesterday [Wednesday], but a cabinet decision can only be made after fully assessing the damage. More rain and severe weather are expected in the coming days.’
Khalid Sayed, the ANC’s provincial legislature leader, noted in his letter that extreme weather had significantly damaged homes, roads and public infrastructure, displacing thousands of residents.
He urged Winde to declare a state of disaster under sections 41[1] of the State Management Act 57 of 2002 to allow the provincial government to mobilise resources and support NGOs working on the ground.
Sayed added that many rivers were at full capacity, increasing the risk of flooding.
‘The storms have caused widespread disruption and damage, leaving communities urgently needing assistance,’ he said.
The SA Weather Service upgraded the weather warning for Thursday from Level 6 to Level 8 due to disruptive rainfall.
Wouter Kriel, spokesperson for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell, said, ‘Our priority is to manage the current situation and ensure the safety of people and property. Assessments and applications will follow as needed.’
Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Education announced that schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands would remain closed on Friday.
Other district schools would reopen unless the head of the department approves otherwise.
The department reported that 217 schools across the province had suffered damage or disruption, with 86 schools considered seriously damaged and requiring urgent attention.
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Picture: Esa Alexander / Gallo Images
