The Northern Cape MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, said that more than 30 houses in Gong-Gong were damaged during Monday’s rainstorm.
THE NORTHERN Cape MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, said that more than 30 houses in Gong-Gong were damaged during Monday’s rainstorm.
Vass and some of his department officials, along with officials from the Department of Social Development, the district municipality, the local municipality and other role-players assessed the situation on Tuesday.
“We are busy responding to the challenges. We have opened a soup kitchen in order for residents to have access to food. We are also working around the clock to address other challenges that residents are facing in order to give the necessary support to the affected families. The situation is very bad and needs our urgent intervention,” said Vass.
With mostly clear skies predicted for the Barkly West area for Tuesday and Wednesday, local residents expressed hope that the weather would remain stable, unlike the sudden change experienced on Monday.
“Most of us have lost so much due to the sudden strong winds and rain we experienced. The roofs of our homes were ripped off and the walls of some houses were even blown over. Many of us have been left without shelter and have had to squat with friends, family and people who opened their doors to us. Many of us do not know how we will pay to repair our homes. We welcome the rain, but not when it brings destruction,” they said.
The affected residents added that they are now reliant on other residents for the basics.
“It is amazing how fast one’s living conditions can change. There are many people who are now hospitalised because they were injured during the rainstorm. Just yesterday we had access to food and water, but today we are left destitute. Lots of our property is damaged and we are now faced with new financial expenses in order to replace the damaged property,” they said.
