Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality was forced to evacuate over two hundred residents in the Lapland informal settlement due to the possible bursting of the Tiryville private dam on Sunday night.
As Kariega residents come to terms with the aftermath of heavy rain at the weekend, the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has warned residents of Lapland that a nearby dam could burst.
Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya confirmed the possible collapse of the dam.
He said they had managed to evacuate two hundred people from the farm, while others are simply refusing to be evacuated.
“We are conducting assessments to work out the risks, developing plans and deciding on a course of action for surrounding communities,” Soyaya said.
“About 100 people were given refuge at Moravian Church in Rosedale and 83 others were given refuge at Crane Street also in Rosedale and the rest of the Lapland residents went to the new Lapland area while residents from old Lapland were still being evacuated,” Soyaya added.
He said the municipality would continue to engage with the community.
“This is an ongoing situation and operation. We plead for calm and cooperation during this volatile, uncertain time as we work to manage the situation.”
Pictured above: The aftermath of the heavy rains in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Image source: Facebook
