- More than 6,500 residents in Cape Town’s informal settlements received flood relief kits after severe weather caused flooding to around 14,000 structures.
- Community leaders in Overcome Heights reported unmet needs and ongoing challenges with water damage.
- The City, along with various NGOs, continues to provide assistance, distributing meals, blankets, and other essential items to affected communities.
More than 6 500 informal settlement residents across the City received flood relief kits after adverse weather conditions caused flooding to roughly 14 000 structures last week.
According to Mayco member for human settlements Carl Pophaim, the City’s Human Settlements Directorate issued the flood relief kits to affected residents in informal settlements across the metro.
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“With 6 500 flood assistance kits already issued, some relocations done and milling material delivered to soak up the water where possible, the level and volumes of assistance required have been unprecedented,” he said.
Assessments for assistance continued throughout the week, with the areas identified as worse affected including Ocean View, Masiphumelele, Tafelsig, Vygieskraal, Khayelitsha, Lwandle in Strand, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Macassar, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Mfuleni among other areas.
“As a City, we encourage Capetonians to make use of the donation facilities and to support relief organisations,” said Pophaim.
‘Unanswered plea’
In Overcome Heights, community leader Karen Mentoor claimed more than 200 structures were affected, but their plea for assistance went unanswered.
Mentoor added as community leaders, they could not assist residents who approached them for help.
“There are fire victims who just got back onto their feet. This is the second time that they have had to leave their homes because three months ago, they lost everything as well.
Busisiwe Figlan, who lost her structure to a fire three months ago, said it has been tough to keep warm and dry.
“I rebuilt my place, but since it’s been raining, the flooding has been bad.”
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According to Figlan, water seeped in through the walls, under the floors and from the ceiling.
When People’s Post visited the area on Wednesday last week (10 July), water damage to structures included wet and damp walls, floors, beds, clothing and furniture.
“I can’t cook when everything is wet because water and electricity are not good. It is dangerous,” said Figlan. “I had to move in with my sister and had to throw away some of my clothing which was damaged.”
Regular occurrence
Resident Gary Timm said all they can do for now is mop every time it floods.
“The rain was very heavy and water came through the walls and under the doors. Most of my belongings are wet,” he shared.
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Ward 45 councillor Mandy Marr says a full assessment was done at Overcome Heights last week after the City initially ran out of sandbags.
“The City ran out of sandbags,” she commented. “I did a full assessment with Disaster Risk Management and five loads of milling was delivered in Overcome Heights.”
Response
Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson Sonica Lategan said the City continues to monitor and respond to the impacts of the inclement weather.
“Various NGOs are involved in humanitarian relief efforts, including Gift of the Givers, Islamic Relief, Ashraful Foundation, Living Hope, Mustadafin Foundation and Al Imdaad,” she said.
“They have distributed 44 642 meals, nearly 10 000 blankets as well as beanies, mattresses and hygiene packs to affected communities.”
