Declaration of Kouga Local Municipality as a Local State of Disaster in relation to the high sea storm damages to coastal infrastructure was approved.

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ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING – 27 OCTOBER 2023

The following decision was approved by Council at an Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 October 2023.

ITEM NO. 23/010/CSS23

Classification of Local State of Disaster for Kouga Local Municipality

The submission of an application to Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM), dated 3 October 2023, for the declaration of Kouga Local Municipality as a Local State of Disaster in relation to the high sea storm damages to coastal infrastructure was approved.

It was, furthermore, approved that the (SBDM) forward this resolution to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to escalate the declaration to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC).

During September 2023 the Kouga Municipal coastal area experienced storms and high sea surges, which resulted in damage to infrastructure – amounting to close to R20 million. More surges were experienced from 23 to 27 September 2023.

Being classified as a Local State of Disaster, will enable the municipality to apply for the necessary grand funding to address the damage caused to municipal infrastructure. Grand funding is required due to the limited budgetary resources available to address the consequential damages.