Western Cape Premier Winde reveals R9.979 billion May storm damage costs

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde disclosed the impact of a series of severe storms that hit the province in May, with estimated damage costs reaching R9.979 billion. During a cabinet meeting, Winde emphasized that the province's current budget levels are insufficient to cover the expenses for repairs and recovery. Consequently, the provincial government will have to reassess its budget allocations to ensure the continuity of critical recovery work.

The Western Cape Department of Local Government has submitted a funding request to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) via the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC). This request seeks financial assistance to address the funding gap for infrastructure repair and restoration. Furthermore, the Western Cape Government has also submitted additional correspondence, urging the Western Cape Government’s funding application to be presented before the relevant National Treasury Committee for consideration under national provisions for unforeseeable and unavoidable expenditure.

In response to the funding shortfall, Cabinet approved financial commitments amounting to R480 million from the province's 2026/27 Unforeseen and Unavoidable Reserve. Premier Winde stressed the urgency of taking decisive action, stating that the province cannot afford to wait for prolonged disaster relief processes from the national government. He highlighted the existence of robust financial management mechanisms and a contingency reserve, which will now need to be utilized to address the damage caused by the storms.

The allocated funding aims to expedite response and recovery efforts while the Western Cape Government awaits confirmation of additional financial support from the NDMC. Winde affirmed that the funding will sustain critical interventions necessary to restore essential services and public infrastructure. He emphasized the magnitude of the disaster, requiring the government to work diligently to secure every available rand for rebuilding damaged infrastructure and supporting affected communities.

Winde noted that the financial impact is felt across multiple departments, underscoring the urgency of the situation. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to managing the funding process transparently and responsibly. Additionally, he called for stronger preventative measures to address the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to climate change.

These measures include accelerating firebreak maintenance, clearing invasive alien vegetation, improving stormwater systems, and enhancing the maintenance of critical infrastructure.