Simelane began her three-day visit to the Eastern Cape yesterday, where devastating floods have claimed the lives of at least 90 people and left thousands displaced.

Mthatha, which is the worst-affected area in the province, has been declared a disaster zone.

Simelane says finding the appropriate space for temporary housing units has been challenging.

“Land parcels are not available from the government. We are still checking the registry of national public works. So far, we have identified two private lands, not yet assessed, where we will put temporary residential units.

Our National Home Builders Registration Council is on the ground helping us to assess the buildings which were partially damaged so that we, in the policy phase, could issue a grant of up to $662.89 per family so that they can get building material,” she says.

--SABC--