The province is often hit by tornadoes, which have caused extensive damage to hundreds of schools particularly in the rural areas. This has increased the backlog from 15 000 to about 23 000 classrooms and the provincial department needs R92 million to rebuild and renovate schools damaged by natural disasters. According to Mr Hecther, physical infrastructure in the province is the worst in all provinces and an emergency fund will be necessary to address disasters and other critical matters.