By Anita Dangazele
- Families spent nearly two months in shelters after floods destroyed their homes in the Mnquma Local Municipality in June.
- The government has built 62 temporary houses, with permanent homes still under construction for displaced residents.
More than 30 flood victims have finally moved into new homes in New Rest, Butterworth, after spending nearly two months in shelters.
They are part of the 62 Temporary Relocation Units completed by the government following the devastating floods that hit the Mnquma Local Municipality in June.
Over 60 families lost their homes when flash floods swept through the area. Many were forced to live in town halls and guesthouses, waiting for help. Mthatha was the hardest hit, with the highest number of deaths.
For those who received new homes, the move has brought great relief.
Pamela Mthenjana, a mother of three, said she was thankful.
“I am over the moon, and I can’t really express my gratitude more than this,” she said. “We never expected this kind of generosity from the government and humanitarian aid organisations. We are grateful.”
Another resident, Sydney Mcilongo, compared their new home to the dangerous informal settlement they came from.
“Sikiti informal settlement is hell,” he said. “It is just over the riverbank, and we were not safe. It is not good for children, and not good for women. But here we are now, things have changed.”
Mnquma Local Municipality spokesperson Loyiso Mpalantshane said this move is temporary, and more people will be relocated as other units are completed.
“We feel very excited to see happiness on their faces,” he said. “This is only the first group. Our provincial and national counterparts will join us later to officially hand over the houses.”
Residents have asked the government to make sure toilets, water and electricity are installed soon.
More families are expected to move in as the remaining houses are completed.
Pictured above: The new temporary housing units built in Butterworth.
Image source: Supplied
