Tensions rising in Riverlands as flood victims continue to be housed at shelters
Just over a month ago, surging floodwaters from four collapsed dams wreaked havoc in Riverlands, damaging people's homes.
The aftermath of the damage caused by a dam wall burst which resulted in flooding in Riverlands, Western Cape. Picture: Facebook.com/GoedgedachtTrust
CAPE TOWN - Riverlands disaster steering committee member, Ralph Burger, said that tensions were high in the town as flood victims continue to be temporarily housed at shelters and with relatives.
Just over a month ago, surging floodwaters from four collapsed dams wreaked havoc in Riverlands, damaging people's homes.
More than 200 people were affected and at least 60 people are still being accommodated at both the Love Church and a youth centre in the town.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, which owns the land the dams are on, has been held responsible for the disaster.
Burger said that the government's empty promises were getting people riled up.
"Now there's a lot of stress between community members, and the people living at the shelters feel they are being ignored and nobody is helping them. This is creating tensions. The departments are making promises, everybody is in a hurry to fix a railway line but nobody is in a hurry to fix people's lives."