Government Working To Relocate Flood Victims In Western Cape

Minister of Human Settlements Mmamoloko Kubayi stated on Sunday that the government is actively working to relocate families impacted by severe floods in the Western Cape.

Thousands of people in the province have lost their homes due to the flooding and are now without shelter.

The minister shared that the government has temporarily relocated families to a leased building for 30 days while they address the flooding impact on informal settlements. They are considering whether families can return if the rains cease or find alternative land for permanent relocation.

However, she noted challenges in finding suitable land in Cape Town due to land availability and regulatory approval processes for land use.

Regarding affected formal structures, assessments by the National Home Builders Registration Council have been completed, with initial reports received. The government aims to initiate repairs by appointed service providers soon, expecting action by Monday.

"The materials for the informal settlements are starting to be delivered," Kubayi said, SA News reported.

The Western Cape provincial government has allowed some households in Newton, within the Drakenstein Municipality, to return home. This decision came after 900 households were evacuated due to concerns about a dam wall potentially failing during heavy flooding.

"Working in consultation with the Department of Water and Sanitation and a dam engineering specialist, Drakenstein Municipality's Engineering Services Department performed another onsite inspection this morning of the farm dam above Newton and confirmed that the risk of dam wall failure has been mitigated," the Western Cape provincial government said.

It added, "This decision was taken in light of the fact that the water level of 150,000-cubic-meter dam in the Bo-Dal area dropped slightly since last night, as well as the lighter rainfall predicted for today. According to the authorities, the dam should be able to handle the flow of water that is expected to reach it today."

Last week, the Western Cape Education Department decided to keep schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts closed until July 12. This decision came after a meeting with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management (PDRM).

Heavy rainfall led to extensive road damage and flooding, disrupting school transportation routes and forcing many schools to close. Western Cape MEC for Education David Maynier mentioned that heavy rains and strong winds overnight contributed to the situation.