They have called on the Sol Plaatje Municipality to move them as there is no clear solution to solving the continuous flooding.
RESIDENTS staying around the Tlhageng/Club 2000 Retention dam raised concerns about their property losing value as a result of constant flooding.
They said the flooding has caused the foundation of their houses to sink due to the moist surface.
They have called on the Sol Plaatje Municipality to move them as there is no clear solution to solving the continuous flooding.
Apparently fine gravel was recently poured around the dam to stop the water from reaching the houses.
This angered residents who felt insulted and they also questioned who was responsible for the decision.
According to them the project was halted in July following the termination of the service provider’s contract due to slow progress and non-compliance with the issuing of guarantees.
Residents said the municipality does not say or do anything regarding paying them for the damage they suffered.
They added that local people employed on the project are now being paid by the municipality to do nothing, except using rakes to sweep the gravel washed away by the water.
“No one understands exactly what is happening at the dam project,” residents said.
According to one resident flooding does not only occur after rain but can happen at any time.
“We would be sitting inside the house and just hear the sound of the approaching water.
“Even the lightest rain makes us nervous because the wall around the dam has become non-existent. Where have you ever heard of gravel being used to lift the wall around a dam or to stop water
“Our municipality is pathetic. We no longer have furniture in our houses, the building material is rusted and cars get stuck in the muddy water.
“The other thing is that the children have also started to swim in the stinking water now that summer is here.”
The contractor, Rail Refurb C.C, whose contact details were found on the board at the site, refused to comment on the latest development at the dam.
The receptionist referred media enquiries to the Sol Plaatje Municipality.
Municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, said he was still waiting on a response from the relevant department.
