The KwaZulu-Natal economy has lost almost R400-million in this week's big freeze, co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Nomsa Dube said.
Visiting affected areas around Durban, Dube said the provincial Chamber of Commerce told her 150 trucks were caught in a 22km tailback on the N3 due to heavy snowfalls since Monday night.
Traffic authorities estimated goods to the value of about R10-million an hour were carried on the N3 by about 3000 trucks a day, she said.
The N3 closure for 40 hours might have cost R400-million.
Dube said the Uthungulu, Umfolozi and Umlalazi districts were affected most by strong wind and heavy rain.
"We have supported affected communities with emergency relief and where possible sheltered people in community halls." Damage was put at millions.
Dube's office denied reports that taxpayers would foot the bill to move the stranded MT Phoenix bulk tanker from Sheffield Beach, north of Durban.
Her spokesman, Lennox Mabaso, said: "No taxpayers' money will be used. It is the port's duty to deal with the matter. We as government have attended the scene to ensure the incident does not get out of control and all precautions have been taken."
Oil-spill specialists and salvagers yesterday resumed their efforts to pump 400 tons of fuel from the 164m bulk tanker that ran aground 200m offshore in heavy wind.
The South Maritime Safety Authority said there was no oil spill, but removing the fuel was a priority.
Last week, the authority won a court order to seize and sell the tanker after a government-contracted tug rescued it drifting after engine failure off the Eastern Cape.
The owners, said to be Nigerian, could not be contacted.
The tanker was on its way to an Indian scrapyard when it broke its anchor and drifted towards Salt Rock.
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