Riverlands committee encouraged by govt's help following destructive floods
Widespread floods caused by the collapse of four dams at a nearby farm left a trail of destruction in Riverlands.
The aftermath of flooding in Riverlands, near Malmesbury in the Western Cape, after three dam retention walls collapsed on 8 August 2024. Picture: Supplied
CAPE TOWN - The Riverlands disaster steering committee says it’s encouraged by the government's commitment to help residents get on their feet following devastating floods in the town.
Widespread floods caused by the collapse of four dams at a nearby farm left a trail of destruction in Riverlands.
About 200 people were left destitute as floods destroyed their homes and cut off water supply to the town.
READ: Cost of damage caused by Riverlands floods estimated at around R50m - Swartland mayor
The Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Department, as the farm owner, has been held responsible for the disaster.
A month has gone by and efforts to get the community back on its feet are starting to take shape.
Efforts to restore water supply and the reconstruction of a railway line in the town are also in full swing.
"They want to do it as fast as they can to restore everything back to normal. We want to see proper results like this from Transnet and other stakeholders," said the Riverlands disaster steering committee member - Nicolaas Bester
He said the community hopes for good news regarding residents' damaged structures soon.