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EC govt estimates R88m needed to repair healthcare facilities damaged by recent floods

EC govt estimates R88m needed to repair healthcare facilities damaged by recent floods

Eyewitness News16-07-2025
Jabulile Mbatha 16 July 2025 | 12:58
Eastern Cape residents in Mthatha left destitute following flooding in Mthatha on 11 June 2025. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The Eastern Cape government says it will need an estimated R88 million to repair hospitals and clinics damaged by the recent floods.
The Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department (COGTA) in the province has confirmed that 63 facilities were damaged by the inclement weather.
This comes exactly 36 days after raging floods ripped through the Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman municipalities, with the OR Tambo and Amathole districts being the hardest hit.
READ: Eastern Cape flooding death toll rises to 103
COGTA MEC Zolile Williams provided an update on disaster response management and recovery operations in Mthatha on Wednesday.
He said the estimated amount to deal with overall damage to all infrastructure in the province stood at R5 billion.
This as home, roads, bridges, school and healthcare facilities were completely damaged.
Williams said that health facilities were some of the worst-affected buildings.
"Repairs will cost approximately R88 million, and immediate repairs have commenced in some of the affected health facilities, and primary healthcare has continued to reach the most affected communities."
Khumalo said that technical teams had now concluded the assessment and verification of damage to infrastructure across the province.
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