Flood-ravaged Kariega folk finally relocated to safety

By Anita Dangazele

Kariega flood victims have finally been moved to safer housing, more than four months after their homes were destroyed.

On Tuesday, 20 people were relocated from Lapland and five from the McCarthy area.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said the relocation of residents from the flood-prone Lapland area in Kariega to temporary houses in the much safer Van Rooyen area is progressing well.

“The 25 people that have been relocated add to the 30 that were relocated last week. In total, 55 people have been relocated, with more relocations expected as the week progresses.

Municipal spokesperson Mthubanzi Mniki said: “These relocations follow intensive site preparation that included environmental impact assessment applications, public engagements and the construction of temporary structures.”

Human Settlements MMC Thembinkosi Mafana said the move results from collaboration by different spheres of government.

“We are pleased that we are relocating the people of the Lapland and McCarthy areas. They will now spend their Christmas in a safe place while waiting for their subsidised houses.

“These are efforts that we make as a caring government to ensure that people stay in dignity, even if they do not have formal houses yet,” Mafana said.

One of the relocated Lapland residents, Elsie Seekoei, said she is very happy that she has moved to a safe place after having suffered floods more than once.

“I have experienced the pain so many times. It is heart-warming to know that today, as the rain continues to pour, I will be safe. I am really thankful for this rescue,” she said.

Relocations will continue until all 154 affected families have been moved from the Lapland, McCarthy, and Grogro areas.

Pictured above: Residents moving into their new temporary housing units in the Van Rooyen area in Kariega.

Source: Supplied

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