Western Cape premier Alan Winde says the province is still owed R1.3bn by national government for flood relief for 2023 as it continues to count the cost of the latest damaging floods.
We are R1.3bn out of pocket from that disaster [last year], Winde said during his address at the opening of the provincial legislature on Wednesday. We need to make sure that after a disaster is declared we get our fair share, as we spend money dealing with these disasters.
Provinces are entitled to national government funding assistance in the event of a formal disaster declaration. Winde said the funding was critical to provide emergency relief to affected residents.
The new government of national unity appeared to be more willing than the previous administration to expedite the funding process, he added.
Extreme weather linked to climate change was a key feature of Windes address, which also highlighted rising global temperatures and water scarcity.
