KZN municipalities need funding to better deal with disasters - Cogta
The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance says the financial model for municipal funding needs to be re-evaluated to ensure municipalities are better equipped to handle disasters.
The comments come after a fresh wave of wildfires hit KZN last week, burning down the Bushman's Nek Berg and Trout Resort in southern Drakensberg.
It's just weeks after runaway veld-fires claimed at least 14 lives in the province.
“It is crucial for us to revise the financial support strucutures for local government to make sure their preparedness for future challenges,” MEC Thulasizwe said.
READ: Raging fires in KZN blamed on dry weather
The resort in Underberg falls under the Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Municipality.
The city's manager Nkosiyezwe Vezi said they are waiting for a report on the damages from management.
"The hotel was a gem for tourists local and international who were flocked to the area to enjoy themselves in the mountain. It is a blow to the local economy and job creation."
