Help arrives for storm victims
Scores of victims of the recent thunderstorm in Khayelitsha, who lost their homes and belongings, have been evacuated to a BnB.
The Department of Human Settlements have also delivered zinc plates, windows, doors and nails to start the rebuilding process.
This comes after Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and Deputy Minister, Tandi Mahambehlala, visited the area last Thursday.
Ms Kubayi said they had secured temporary living spaces for the displaced people and would, along with the City and Province, provide transport to the temporary shelters. Ms Kubayi said they had been working around the clock to ensure the material was made available as quickly as possible adding that more than 500 people were lodged at various accommodations and the department had availed material for over 1 000 residents.
She pleaded with the community to work with them as the department was limited in what they could provide. She said they did not have a storage space for residents’ belongings but it was something they would look into for the future.
“I urge my colleagues from all spheres of government to put politics aside and attend to the pressing matters facing our communities,” Ms Kubayi said. “Our people do not care which leader provides what they need. I hope that whomever have lost their shacks will get material so that they can rebuild their homes," she said.
Resident Nosibulele Ntshakaza said her home had been completely destroyed and she was among the group who had been moved to a BnB. She said her relatives were storing her belongings and her two children had gone to live with her sister.
She said she is extremely grateful that the material was provided so quickly and that her employers had also promised to assist her.
Ward councillor, Lonwabo Mqina, was in the Eastern Cape when the storm hit because council is in recess. He returned immediately when he heard about the extensive damage.
A visibly emotional Mr Mqina said he had not slept more than four hours as he was worried about the victims of the thunderstorm. He said he had been providing meals to victims every day thanks to the generosity of donors “who have shown the true colours of spirit of Ubuntu”. He said he was delighted that the material arrived so timeously and that the dignity of the victims would be “redeemed”.
Gift of the Givers’, Alli Sayed, said he had been on the ground with the victims since the day the thunderstorm and the non-profit had provided more than 2 000 blankets, beanies and other essentials to destitute residents.
