Western Cape storm recovery on track after devastating extreme weather

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said steady progress is being made in rebuilding infrastructure after two devastating storms hit the province recently.

The storms caused widespread destruction with four hospitals affected damage to more than 100 schools and significant impacts on infrastructure housing roads and electricity supply.

Winde said that about 70 percent of affected roads in the worst-hit Garden Route have been reopened through temporary repairs.

Winde said some roads along the Garden Route including the Swartzberg pass remain closed due to safety concerns with repairs ongoing.

Winde said that the cost of fixing Meiringspoort alone is estimated at more than 420 million rand — with reconstruction expected to take just over two years.

The premier’s spokesperson Regan Thaw said, “Recovery from a disaster of this scale can’t be achieved overnight. It requires extensive engineering expertise, procurement processes as well as environmental impact approvals, and most importantly receiving adequate funding.”    

Winde added that the focus remains on restoration while ensuring critical infrastructure is rebuilt stronger.