Tension in Riverlands reportedly at boiling point as evicted flood victims left in limbo
Their homes in Riverlands were destroyed during devastating floods in August caused by four collapsed dams situated on a nearby farm.
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 - Tensions have reportedly reached boiling point as Riverlands flood victims continue to be left in limbo after being evicted from community centres that have been housing them for months.
Their homes in Riverlands were destroyed during devastating floods in August caused by four collapsed dams situated on a nearby farm.
ALSO READ: Riverlands community says not much has changed since August’s severe flooding
After seeking shelter at a church and youth centre, flood victims were told to move back with family and friends after more than four months at the shelters.
Riverlands disaster steering committee member, Ralph Burger, said promises by government to start building temporary relocation units before Christmas had fallen flat.
"They said the people will only stay a week after they have been evicted from the shelters, but it's now going for more than a month that people are staying with their families.
"Even their families don't have so much money to take care of extra people, and now it's putting pressure on them, causing unnecessary strain and arguments."