Riverlands flood victims eagerly anticipating hvaing their own homes again
On 8 August last year, four nearby dams collapsed, bringing pain and misery for more than 200 people who were left destitute.
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 - After more than five months since devastating floods destroyed people's homes, affected families will have a place to call home again by the end of this week.
On 8 August last year, four nearby dams collapsed, bringing pain and misery for more than 200 people who were left destitute.
READ: Riverlands flood victims excited at the prospect of getting new homes soon
A preliminary report released by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina three weeks later pointed a finger at property owners, the Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development Department.
The report suggested that the department failed to ensure that the dams were properly registered and safe when taking over ownership of the property where the dams are situated.
Annelize Kay is one of the people who lost everything in last year's floods in Riverlands and sought shelter at one of the community centres.
She told EWN that the reality of having a place of her own again had made her very emotional.
"The time has come for us to say this is my home. To have someplace to call home again is nice, and I'm thankful."
Another flood victim, Desire Mattyhse said that her family had been through a lot since the incident and was excited about getting a new place.
"I nearly died, my husband and I were in the hospital injured. But now I'm glad to see that soon I'll be getting a home."
The National Human Settlements Department is in the process of putting up 101 temporary relocation structures for all affected families.