Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed on Friday that national treasury will send R1 billion to KZN. The money will be available by next Tuesday. Aside from that, the Department of Human Settlements says the eThekwini metro has access to R539 million from the Urban Settlements Development Grant.
That’s a lot of money. Given our recent history as a country, we do know that money goes missing when times are tough. Just look back to the Digital Vibes saga and all the COVID-19 protective equipment deals.
According to the Public Protector’s office, Mkhwebane will assemble a team of investigators in the coming week. They will be sent to KZN to “monitor and follow up” on all public service delivery and humanitarian aid projects carried out by the state.
Mkhwebane says she was invited to visit affected areas by the KwaMashu Business Forum.
“Mkhwebane on Good Friday visited some of the affected areas to observe first-hand the devastation the forceful floods that ravaged the province caused. She heard of several families who were in need of search and rescue services. The families believe their missing loved ones may have been buried under
the rubble and wreckage which resulted from the overflow.”Mkhwebane’s spokesperson Oupa Segalwe
The Public Protector’s office says it will share the names of affected families with the South African Social Security Agency and the Department of Human Settlements.
The investigators will then “follow up” on the process. Mkhwebane says she will have her eyes on all organs of state involved. She’s urging the government to make sure relief funds are used “solely for the intended purpose”.
With over R1 billion on the way, let’s hope the people who need the funds, get them.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn