MOSSEL BAY NEWS - When there are high winds or storms and houses are damaged and trees uprooted, of greatest concern are those who live in flimsy homes in informal settlements and also, township residents who cannot afford the upkeep of their homes.
After last week's wind storm and rain, the Mossel Bay Advertiser contacted the municipality to ask what help was available for the poor whose homes are damaged or destroyed.
Municipal spokesperson Nickey le Roux said: "There is no disaster funding or grant for private, residential homeowners. The Municipal Finance Management Act is clear that municipalities can only spend funds on their own property and assets.
"In a time of crisis the departments of the municipality perform a safety and security role with some type of relief, where applicable. We drafted as social relief policy for the event of fires in informal areas, where the homeowner can source funding from Department of Social Development and SASSA and the municipality can supply a home starter pack."
Le Roux said: "During floods our community halls are earmarked as temporary shelters until affected residents can reintegrate into the communities affected.
No requests
After last week's storm, Le Roux noted: "The municipality’s director of planning and economic development, Carel Venter, has confirmed the municipality has not received any indication of the need for, or requests for any temporary shelter or other assistance from individuals or families from either the formal suburbs or informal areas.
"When it comes to a wind storm, as was experienced, the municipality removes debris from roads, cuts down fallen trees and advises homeowners on safety precautions to take when their property is affected.
"The Electricity Department will ensure the safety of compromised electrical wires and systems. We do not rebuild and cover roofs; it is the responsibility of the homeowner under his or her insurance and that of the resident of the shacks in informal settlements."
Le Roux noted that Disaster Grant funding could be applied for once a local state of disaster had been declared by a municipal council.
This could only be done after its own budget funding had been re-prioritised and when it was found the municipality could not foot the costs of recovery. Funding from the National Disaster Centre would only be made available to repair damages to municipal infrastructure.
Le Roux noted: "The municipality has recently provided support to several soup kitchens in the community and, on an ad hoc basis, provides clothing from its clothing bank.The municipality thanks Pick n Pay for making clothing available from its store at the Mosselbaai Mall specifically for this purpose."
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