DA Welcomes Western Cape State of Disaster Declaration

Issued by Dave Bryant, MPP – DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
23 Jul 2024 in Press Statements

Attention broadcasters: English soundbite from MPP Dave Bryant attached.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape welcomes the declaration of a Provincial State of Disaster following the severe flooding experienced in the province this month. Premier Alan Winde signed the declaration on 18 July 2024.

The declaration of a Provincial State of Disaster will enable the transfer of emergency funding from the National Government to the Western Cape Government, facilitating crucial recovery efforts. With some infrastructure still submerged, it is too early to estimate the full extent of the flood damage. The DA will submit parliamentary questions on the extent of damages estimated thus far.

MPP Dave Bryant emphasized the importance of swift action, stating, “The declaration of a Provincial State of Disaster will enable the flow of much needed funding to the Western Cape. This funding will be used to mitigate some of the worst effects of the flooding to make sure our residents are not left behind. It is especially crucial that we repair damaged infrastructure as soon as possible, to minimise the effect on economic activity in the province.

Where the DA governs, we have highly skilled personnel on the ground to deal with disasters of this sort, and we ask all residents to support the Western Cape Government’s efforts to repair the damage in their communities.”