Community wants answers from Swartland Municipality following collapse of dams
According to the Swartland Municipality, an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse.
The aftermath of flooding in Riverlands, near Malmesbury in the Western Cape, after three dam retention walls collapsed on 8 August 2024. Picture: Melikhaya Zagagana/EWN
CAPE TOWN - The Riverlands community near Malmesbury wants answers from local authorities after three retention dams burst, affecting over 500 residents.
According to the Swartland Municipality, an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse.
While some residents said that the authorities knew about the risk of the dams, the municipality has since distanced itself from the accusation.
Over 220 destitute residents have been accommodated at nearby shelters, including schools and churches.
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Swartland Municipality Spokesperson, Heinrich Robertson said the restoration of water and electricity in the area has been hampered by bad weather.
"I must stress that for the next two days, water will be a problem due to infrastructure damage, and we will not be able to restore the electricity in the short span of time. But Swartland Municipality along with West Coast Disaster Management, we are working around the clock to make sure that we get municipal services to the community of Riverlands at least early next week," Robertson said.