Flood recovery in EC to cost over R5 billion - CoGTA MEC
The Eastern Cape government says more than R5 billion will be needed to repair public infrastructure damaged in the June floods, with hundreds of schools, health facilities, roads, and homes affected.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams gave the update during a media briefing in Mthatha on Wednesday, nearly three weeks after flash floods devastated large parts of the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities.
Williams confirmed that 229 schools were damaged, affecting nearly 50 000 learners, while one school was completely destroyed. The estimated cost to repair education infrastructure stands at R437 million.
“The replacement of damaged stationery for 727 learners has been concluded,” said Williams. “All the 12 330 learners who missed examinations due to the disaster have since written their exams. The delivery of uniforms to the 731 affected learners will be finalised by the end of July.”
In the health sector, 63 public facilities were affected, with repairs expected to cost around R88 million. Work to fix these facilities has already begun.
The official death toll stands at 103, including five government employees — among them, an educator, two nurses, and two firefighters.
Williams confirmed that 100 of the victims have been positively identified and buried. One child is still missing, and search efforts continue. Three bodies remain unclaimed, with two not yet identified through the national population register.
“The events of 9 to 10 June brought destruction across all corners of our province,” said Williams. “We must acknowledge the lives of the people we have lost — among them are 40 innocent children, including infants, who were full of dreams and hopes.”
More than 6 800 households were affected by the flooding. Of these, 4 724 homes were completely destroyed, while 2 145 suffered partial damage.
According to Williams, over 1 350 people are still being housed at mass care centres, with a further 122 placed in temporary emergency accommodation.
“Numbers are decreasing as people either seek shelter with their relatives or return to their homes where possible,” he said.
The Department of Home Affairs has issued 100 death certificates while processing 1 197 Smart ID card applications and 103 birth certificate requests.
Williams said the provincial Department of Human Settlements has reprioritised R120 million to fund 1 230 Temporary Residential Units (TRUs), but noted that R461 million is needed to meet the full demand.
Of the 4 724 TRUs required, only 1 230 are currently funded, with 600 allocated to the OR Tambo District and others to Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Buffalo City Metro, Chris Hani, and Joe Gqabi.
Municipal land has been identified in Mnquma and King Sabata Dalindyebo for the construction of TRUs. However, community resistance has stalled progress.
“It is regrettable that the municipality has had to resort to courts of law to seek recourse, whereas every citizen has a right to shelter,” said Williams. “This resistance poses a real threat to the timely rollout of the provincial government’s resettlement plan.”
He urged all community members to allow government efforts to proceed uninterrupted.
While floodwaters damaged 146 roads and 63 bridges, the number of inaccessible roads has since been reduced to 42.
However, Williams said the province is facing a transport infrastructure funding shortfall of more than R800 million, despite R100 million being reprioritised by the Department of Transport.
He said agricultural losses total more than R30 million, with thousands of livestock lost and farmland washed away. Williams assured that the government is working with the affected farmers to restore production.
MEC Williams estimated municipal infrastructure losses — including damage to water treatment plants, housing, sanitation systems, and waste infrastructure — to be at R1.89 billion.
Williams said the province is entering the second phase of disaster response, with a focus on infrastructure repair, long-term housing, and climate resilience planning.
“We are doing all in our power to accelerate relief, strengthen infrastructure, and build resilience against future disasters,” he said.
He also thanked the private sector, NGOs, and humanitarian organisations that have supported the province’s response.
“We have been humbled by the compassion shown by our social partners, faith-based organisations, private donors, and ordinary citizens,” said Williams. “Their efforts do not go unnoticed.”
The MEC concluded by assuring residents that the provincial government is committed to walking the long road to recovery with them.
“To every child who has lost a parent, to every parent who has lost a child, and to every family whose home now lies in ruin, we are committed to your recovery.”
ALSO READ:
