DURBAN - THE provincial government has assured families who have lost loved ones during the floods, that they will receive support to bury them.
Premier Sihle Zikalala said government and its social partners will provide support to the bereaved families. He was addressing the media at the weekend giving a detailed status update after the province was devastated by floods.
By Sunday, it was reported that 446 people had died and more than 50 were still missing.
“The Executive Council approved the provincial policy on Government Support Funeral Assistance for people who passed away as a result of the flood disasters,” he said.
He said municipalities also had policies to assist the needy and the indigent, and were conducting profiling in line with their policies.
He said partners such as AVBOB had also committed to supporting about 150 people.
“We are aware that due to water and electricity challenges there have been delays with post-mortem reports but the Department of Health is attending to the situation.
“Every needy family will be supported and as of today, we will be ready to assist families that are ready to lay their loved ones to rest. The burial support committee has been established in the Office of the Premier for coordination purposes, working with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs,” he said.
Zikalala thanked those who had come forward with donations, saying:“At this stage we also wish to thank ABSA because they have come on board and donated R10 million towards the KZN Relief Programme. Already R7,5 million of that donation is being used towards emergency relief,” he said.