By OBAKENG MAJE
More than two hundred households were displaced due to torrential rains and windstorms that ravaged the Rekgaratlhile Township in Stella near Vryburg during the weekend.
The North West Premier, Bushy Maape visited the affected area and sounded the alarm over the dire conditions. Maape said those who were most affected were provided with refuge, blankets, and food parcels.
“As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), we have brought in assistance to the area. I was also informed that many people managed to rebuild their shacks, while others decided to stay with their families.
“So, the situation has been managed and people received assistance in a form of food parcels, and blankets including a temporary shelter. Now, we are looking at the incomplete RDP houses to see, if we cannot accommodate them there,” he said.
However, most of those affected have since abandoned the shelter after alleging that, their belongings were stolen.
One of the residents who were affected, Akanyang Mongale,35 said she stays in a three-roomed shack with her children, but part of it was blown away by a windstorm.
“My shack was flooded and my furniture including the TV set was damaged. I’m struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The government officials refused to assist me and said I should rebuild my shack on my own because there is no money.
“The government cannot just provide us with food parcels. We actually need corrugated irons/sheets to rebuild our shack. We also need RDP house. Unfortunately, we sleep on top of those food parcels,” Mongale said.
Another resident, Ishmael Moalusi, 34, shared the same sentiments. Moalusi said, his shack was blown away and he does not know where he will find money to buy new corrugated irons to rebuild it.
“I do not know where to find money to buy corrugated irons. I am currently homeless and unemployed without any family to stay with. I have two children and they are still young, so I need help,” Moalusi said.
The North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Jackie Rikhotso said: “The municipalities provided 200 blankets and 62 food parcels as well as cooked meals to those affected. The municipalities are also providing water as well as restoring power supply as some electric supply poles were uprooted, which also poses the risk of electrocution.
“By 30 October 2022 around 3pm, some areas were switched on. It is envisaged that the power supply will be restored in the next few days. Again the municipalities provided security to the community hall, where females and males were separated and to ensure the safety of women and children.”
Rikhotso said, the North West Social Development and SASSA have also profiled 137 families for the SRD vouchers of R1900 and by 3pm, 104 families were confirmed that they will be receiving their vouchers by 1 November 2022.
He further said the department will also provide 102 blankets and 63 food parcels by 31 October 2022.
“The department also provided meals this afternoon and this will continue during the next few days and the situation will be monitored. The elderly and child-headed families will also be identified and profiled.
“Psychosocial support will be provided where needed. The COGHSTA department has verified the damages caused by the windstorms to both shacks and formal structures. We are also verifying affected families against the list of RDP houses for possible occupation as some are rearing completion,” he said.
According to Rikhotso, the full assessment and verification reports will be presented to the committee on 31 October 2022 with recommendations for the way forward.