NORTHERN Province’s local government and housing department has juggled its budget to free R385 million to repair flood damage wrought in February, announced department spokesman, Danny Msiza, on Wednesday. He said housing projects worth R228 million would now be aimed at the 18 781 families left homeless in 342 villages by the floods. An amount of R157 million from the Consolidated Municipal Infrastructure Programme would be spent in 65 areas this year. “The major focus will be on water reticulation, storm water drainage and improving sewer systems,” he said. He said 12 426 houses would be built, creating jobs for about 6000 people. He added that developers had also agreed to repair essential roads. Construction is expected to begin next month.